IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


^  m 

■^  IIIIIM 

If  m 


IIIM 

|Z2 


1.25     1.4 

1.6 

< 6"     — 

► 

V] 


^ 


/a 


"3 


A 


A 


/A 


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CIHM 
Microfiche 
Series 
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ICIVIH 

Collection  de 
microfiches 
(monographles) 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes  /  Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The 
tot 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  bttt  original 
copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this  copy  which 
may  be  bibliographically  unique,  which  may  altar  any 
of  the  images  in  the  reproduction,  or  which  may 
significantly  change  the  usual  method  of  filming,  ara 
checked  below. 


D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


□  Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommag^e 


D 


Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restauree  et/ou  pelliculia 


□  Cover  title 
Le  titre  de 


missing/ 
couverture  manque 


□  Coloured  maps/ 
Carte:  g6ographiques 


g6ographiques  en  couleur 


□  Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encrede  couleur  (i.e. 


autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


D 


Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 


□  Bound  with  other  material/ 
Relie  avec  d'autres  documents 


D 


n 


Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin^ 

La  reliure  serree  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distorsion  le  long  de  la  marge  intirieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may  appear 
within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these  have 
been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajouties 
lurs  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  etait  possible,  cgs  pages  n'ont 
pas  ete  filmees. 


□  Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  supplementaires: 

This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 


L'Institut  a  microfilm^  le  meilleur  exemplaire  qu'il 
lui  a  exi  possible  de  se  procurer.   Les  details  de  cet 
exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-£tre  uniques  du  point  de  vue 
bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier  une  image 
reproduite.  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une  modification 
dans  la  methode  normale  de  f  ilmage  sont  inaiques 
ci-dessous. 


□  Coloured 
Pages  de  ( 


pages/ 
couleur 


□  Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagees 

□  Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaurees  et/ou  pelltcultes 


Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  decolorees,  tachetees  ou  piquees 


□  Pages  detached/ 
Pages  detaches 

0Showth  rough/ 
Transparence 

I       ]  Quality  of  print  varies/ 


The 
posi 
of  tl 
film 


Orifl 

begj 

the 

sion 

otha 

first 

sion 

or  ill 


n 


Qualite  inegale  de  I'impression 

Continuous  pagination/ 
Pagination  continue 

Includes  index(es)/ 
Comprend  un  (des)  index 

Title  on  header  taken  from:/ 
Le  titre  de  l'en-t£te  provient: 


The 
rhall 
TINl 
whic 

Mapi 
diffe 
entin 
begii 
right 
requi 
meth 


□  Title  page  of  issue 
Page  dp  titre  de  la 

□  Caption  of  issue/ 
Titre  de  depart  de 

I—I  Ma 
I I  Ge 


livraison 


depart  de  la  livraison 

Masthead/ 

Generique  (periodiques)  de  la  livraison 


10X 

11   C3l 

■  iiiiie 

dU  Idl 

14X 

jx  ae 

reauc 

lion  ir 

idiqui 

18X 

i  C)-dfl 

ssous 

22X 

26  X 

3CX 

7 

! 

12X 

1CX 

20X 

24X 

28X 

32  X 

?^^> 


The  copy  filmed  hare  has  baan  raproducad  thanks 
to  tha  ganarosity  of: 

D.B.  Weldon  Library 
University  of  Western  Ontario 

Tha  imagas  appaaring  hara  ara  tha  bast  quality 
possibia  consldaring  tha  condition  and  lagibility 
of  tha  original  copy  and  in  kaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  spacificationa. 


Original  copias  in  printad  papar  covars  ara  filmad 
beginning  with  tha  front  covar  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printad  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  covar  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copias  are  filmed  beginning  on  tha 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printad 
or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frsme  on  eech  microfiche 
rhail  contain  tha  symbol  — ^-  (meaning  "COra- 
TINUED").  or  tha  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 

Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  ara  filmad 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  end  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


L'exemplaire  filmi  fut  reproduit  grdce  i  la 
g6ndrosit6  de: 

D.B.  Weldon  Library 
University  of  Western  Ontario 

Les  images  suivantes  ont  ^ti  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin.  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  at 
de  la  nattet*  de  l'exemplaire  film*,  at  en 
conformity  avec  lea  conditions  du  contrat  da 
filmage. 

Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couvarture  en 
papier  est  imprim«e  sont  film«s  en  commanpant 
par  le  premier  plat  at  an  terminant  soit  par  la 
darniire  page  qui  comporte  une  ampreinte 
d'imprassion  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  salon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autras  exemplaires 
origiriaux  sont  filmte  an  commanpant  par  la 
pramlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  at  an  terminant  par 
la  darniire  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
emprointe. 

Un  dee  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
darnlAre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  Sdiun  ie 
cas:  le  symbols  — ^  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbols  V  signifie  "FIN". 

Les  cartea,  planchaa,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  *tre 
filmAs  i  des  taux  de  reduction  diffdrents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  cliche,  il  est  filmi  d  partir 
de  rangle  supArieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droits, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  la  nombra 
d'imagas  n^cessaira.  Las  diagrammas  suivants 
illuatrant  la  mAthode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 


32  X 


"''^■''^*'<^^^CBu^f.o™a-^-^*•■'' 


C'^^^yyiZ^y^    ,^J-U^ 


-t^^i/—ftyy^ 


-cC 


rmA 


•   TWENTY-TWO  YEARS  A  SLAVE, 


AND 


miY  YEARS  A  FREEMAN; 


SMBSAOINO  A 


COBRESPONDENOE  OF  SEVBRAi.  YEARS,   WHILE 

PRESIDENT  OP  WILBERFOBCE  COLONY, 

LONDON,  CANIdA  WEST, 


Br 


AUSTIN    STEWAED 


SECOND  EDITION. 


ROCHESTER,   N.    Y. 

tOBUBHBD  ar    AWWOS  A  COET,    EXCHANGE  STEEKT. 


Ektbh„  according  to  Act  of  Congvesa,  in  the  ,  ear  185C.  by 

WM.    AILING, 

lu  the  Clerk's  Office,  of  the  D^wct  Court  of  the  17.  S.  for  the 

Northern  Dintrict  of  New  York. 


Coivur  &  Cbowmj,,  Stereotypera. 


FROM    GOVERNOR    CLARK. 


5G,  by 
I.  for  the 


Botypera. 


Statb  of  Ifaw  ToEK, 

ExKOCTiVB  Dkpabtment, 

Mp    A    o  ^  Albany,  May  10, 1856. 

Me.  a.  Stettahd,  Canandaigua, 

Dbae  Sie  :-I  notice  a  paragiaph  in  the  "Ontaiio 

Times"  of  this   date,  making   ti^e   announcement    that   you   axe 

preparing  «a  sketch  of  events  occuning  under  your  o..  obser- 

ratxon  during  an  eventful  life."  to  be  entitled.  "Twenty  Yeai^  a 

Slave,  and  Forty  Tears  a  Freeman  •»  «„a  *%,  ^ 

J       «"T*  arreeman,    and  that  you  design  soon  to 

make  an  effort  to  obtain  subscribei-s  for  the  book. 

Being  desirous  of  rendering  you  what  encouragement  I  may 
m  the  work,  you  are  permitted  to  place  my  name  on  your  list 
«f  subscribers. 

Respectfully  Yours, 


Myron  H.  Clark. 


^^'^"■STER,  Septembee,  1856 
Ma.  Wn.  Allino, 

Dear  Sir:- The  undersigned  haye  heard  with 
pleaaure,  that  you  are  about  issuing  a  Book  made  up  from  inci- 
dent«  in  the  life  of  Avsn.  SxEW^a     We  have  been  the  early 
acquaxntances  and   associates  of  M.,  steward,  while   a   business 
man  ,„  Rochester  in  an  early  day,  and  take  pleasure  in  beaming 
testimony  to   his  high   personal,  moral   and   Christian    character 
In  a  world  of  vicisaitude.  Mr.  Steward  has  received  no  ordinary 
share,  and  we  hope,  while  his  book  may  do  the  world  good.  It 
may  prove  a  substantial  benefit  to  him  in  his  declining  years. 

ASHLBY  SamPSOW. 

Thomas  Kbmpshall, 
FauDKBicK  Stabb. 
Ohas.  J.  Hill, 
L.  A.  Ward,  . 
Edwik  Sobahtom, 
Jacob  Gould. 


RECOMMENDATORY. 


.    „  RooHisTBB,  July  1,  1856. 

A.  Stbwabd,  Esq., 

Dear  Sir:-In  reply  to  your  letter  iipon  the 
propnety  of  publishing  your  life,  I  answr.  that  there  ia  uot  only  no 
objection  to  zt.  but  it  wi.^1  be  timely,  and  is  demanded  by  every  con- 
sidei-ation  of  humanity  and  justice.  Eveiy  tongue  which  spcak«  for 
Freedom,  which  has  once  been  held  by  the  awful  gag  of  Slavery,  is 
trumpet-tongued-and  he  who  pleads  against  this  monstK,us  oppres- 
sion,  If  he  can  say,  «  here  ai-e  the  scars,"  can  do  much. 

It  is  a  great  pleasure  to  me  to  run  back  to  my  boyhood,  and  atop  at 
that  spot  where  I  first  met  you.  I  recollect  the  stoiy  of  your  w.t,ng«. 
and  your  joy  in  ths  supposition  that  all  were  now  ended  in  your 
freedom;  of  your  thirst  for  knowledge,  as  you  gathered  up  ft^m  tho 
rudxmental  books-~not  then  very  plenty-a  few  snatches  of  the 
elements  of  the  language;  of  playing  the  school-master  to  you,  in 
"setting  copies"  for  your  wi-iting-book;  of  guiding  your  mind  and 
pen.  I  remember  your  commencement  in  business,  and  tho  outrage 
and  indignity  offered  you  in  Rochester,  by  white  compeUtoi.  onl 
other  ground  than  that  of  color.*    I  saw  your  bitter  to«,.  .„d  vacol- 

the  Eagle  Hotel     He  out  uumI'  ^  '^'"'"'  ^'"''^''*''  »'»"'^'»«'  "PP"""' 

some  coa,peti  o      whom  he  kneV'f ' '  7'  !!'""  '"'  ""'''''  ""«'  ""  **  "'«"*.     ' 
couW  not  prove  smeared  Ms  «ir;.U.hfr  ^'Z""''  '""^  ''"'"''"»  ^''««'"'« 
n^isguided  men  ^^^Too,:::^^^^^^^^  '» '    °-t  the 

have  j.^  ago  ended  tLir  jnl^  r.^^fjfr/ .««°'"«»*y«^°'' "''««•- 


VI 


EECOMMENDATORY. 


parity,  «nd  ;.l,e„  j.„„r  ^„i  n  ™'"'  ""''  ^»"'-  P™- 

»;"-.s»..  a,,  .w  .aaeir;; ::  j°r '; '.""  °*^"  -^  ^°- 

atompt  to  establish  an  asvl™  ,  '  '"  ""  ""™=«3«W 

■-".e^be,  „be„  j.„„  ,.""""•  "'"*.  '  "■«!'«  d»  Mob  tater,  I 

wWie  be  bi^elf  bad  lost  TZ'  f      *  '■°°  ''"'  """'■'  '«««""• 
--  and  set  ap.  c,ai  JC^,;:';"''''  °"  '°*-'»  '•.ee.-e.„; 
"igM  bare  beld  botb,  badTo^  .'1  '°'"  '"°'""^-  "»"»  "'■* 
w™  to  a  tribuna,,  wbere  botb  ll,  '  "  """■"  """^'^  '"™«»«1 
<«cb  for  W„ael/,  °^'"'  ""^  »^'»  'Wl  one  daj-  a„s«r 

-g  ieel.    1  tbint  it  will  do  Ld  1  ™""  "^  "»  8"°"- 

-t  f.«b  at  a  „o,.e  a„spi  i otsCr'::  ""/  ~'-  "'"  "»-  '- 
«y«fem  of  SWerr,  is  eerfain     Tb      L  ,  """'  °'  ""  >""*' 

^  come  at  lenga,-  and  lT„Z  b  '  °"'  *'»^'*J«'«  -  ™« 
»bo  cannot  disce™  m  ft  Tl  t 'r  *7'"'-  "'' »  P°«'  -, 
fo««  wbicb  .nst  eventnalWnTtbt      ''  °"'  ""  "■'^'"^ 

y«"  and  I  bare  felt  disconra^;  It  T  °'"-  '  '""''  *«' 
«  ->bt  bave  .ep.  np  onr  b^  s  ;  1  °Z  ^  J'  ^'"'T-''™ 
aiow  is  mr,.    Tonr  book  mav  L  K        ,  "^  *'"«  "" » 

«ode™  S.„pson'.b„Tail  sw      ""'     ""'  ""^  ™"'  "^'"^ 

y'>"Habo«,i„„„e„„,  than  I        ^    T"      '""""^  ""^  »«»■«• 
you.,  best-and  am,  ' "'"'  """  ^'""  '■«'  "'J-  ".ay  be 

Tonr  old  Friend, 

And  obed't  sepv't, 

EDWW  SCBANTOK 


hat  justice  would 
see  these  enemies 
r.  and  your  pros- 
lal  to  that  of  any 
I  others  of  your 

an  unsuccessful 
'  and  oppressed 

much  farther,  I 
been  successful, 
i's  wheel— came 
—a  claim  which 
'nly  summoned 
>ne  day  answer 

'nt  out,  and  the 
y  one  who  has 
■i  of  it«  grind- 
lot  have  been 
3f  the  hateful 
^'stice  is  sure 
d  a  poor  seer, 
the  mighty 
I  know  that 
I  ago,~-when 
thing  that  ia 
ptions  tame, 
Ji"d  foi-  some 
his  ancient 
May  attend 
^js  may  be 


NTOM. 


CONTENTS. 


Slav*  Lifs  on  the  Plantation, 


At  thb  Grbat  House, 


T. 


III. 

HansK-RAowa  and  its  Consequences,      - 

lY. 

JdTONKV  TO  OUB  NmX,  Home  IN  Nw  YoRK. 

V. 


FAQI. 
13 


SO 


40 


53 


Inoi>ent8  at  Sodhs, 


Removal  fhom  Sodus  to  Bath, 


VI. 


Duelisg; 


vn. 


56 


60 


64 


▼iii 


Contents. 


^'""'^•^'^^^^BHIDAr.So.XM. 


IX. 


P'iOII. 


X 

XI 

THODQHTa  OM  Pa«EDOM 

XII 
T  XTil. 


I»oiD«i»T8  :w  Boch: 


XTV. 

■SMB  AWD  yiOIOTTr, 

Sad  Rbv«se8  or  Cai^taxx  H«„, 

XVI. 

BBrTrSHEMA.0IP.TXOX  OK  S.AV.B,,         . 


93 


196 


116 


134 


138 


145 


149 


r  XVIII. 

■  CoKDmox  OF  Pb«  CGtoa,i>  P.opxe,  . 

■       "       -        164 


CONTENTS. 


iX 


69 


84 


99 


-    1 


06 


116 


134 


138 


-    145 


149 


w.    153 


164 


XTX. 

PngKOtmOlf  OF  THB  COLOBED  PKOPtB, 


Rkhoval  to  Canada. 


XX. 


XXI. 

ROUGHWO  IT  IK  THE  WllDS  OF  CanADA, 

XXII. 

Waebow  Escape  of  a  Smuggikh, 

xxin. 

NAKEATIVEOFTwoFuGirrVESFaOHVlEGHaA,    . 

XXIV. 

Pleasant  Re-Uwon  of  Old  and  Tmed  Pbibnds, 

XXV. 

Peivate  Losses  and  Pbivate  Diffioultibs,      - 

XXVI. 

iKOlDBNrs  AND  PeOULIAEITIBS  OF  THE  InDUNS.  . 

xxvn. 

OuE  Difficulties  with  Iseael  Lewis,      - 

xxvni. 

DiiSPEEATION  OF  A  FtSmVB  SlaVH,         -  . 


XXIX. 

A  Njktatrkvo'  "P^sf'-Bir  — = -^ 

A* 


PAn. 
-  173 


183 


-  190 


196 


•  90S 


910 


919 


993 


939 


945 


953 


%-.«>,. 


1^ 


CONTENTS. 


XXX. 


D«4TH0FB.PAri.AVDRETDEN 


OF  HIS  Brother, 


^r  PAMar  B^turx  to  Roohkstkb 


IKSTKR, 


TH.T  .  ^^^^I^- 

iHj=  Land  Aoknt  ai^i,  th.  Squattkr,  - 


u 


^  xxxni. 

Character  AND  DzATH  OF  ISRAE.LKWIS, 


Mr  Rktuew  to  RocHESTKr., 


xxxiy. 


_      ^  xxxy. 

Bishop  Brow-Death  OF  mvDacohxer, 

XXXYI. 

Oelebbatiok  of  the  First  of  August, 


XXXVII. 


OoNOtUSIOX,       . 
CoBBESPOJfDEIfCB, 


PAQK. 
257 


268 


274 


282 


290 
•  299 
311 

-  316 
341 


PAQI. 


-    263 


274 


PREFACE 


282 


290 


-    299 
311 

-    3i6 
341 


The  author  does  not  think  that  any  apology  is  necessary  for  this 
issue  of  his  Life  and  Histoiy.  Ho  believes  that  American  Slavery  is 
now  the  great  question  before  the  Aniencan  People :  that  it  is  not 
merely  a  political  question,  coming  up  before  the  country  as  the 
grand  element  in  the  making  of  a  President,  and  thrm  to  be  laid 
aside  for  four  years;  but  that  its  moi-al  bearings  ai-e  of  such  a  nature 
that  the  Patriot,  the  Philanthropist,  and  all  good  men  agree  that  it  is 
an  evil  of  so  much  magnitude,  that  longer  to  permit  it,  i&  to  wink  at 
«t«,  and  to  incur  the  righteous  judgments  of  God.  The  late  outrages 
and  aggressions  of  the  slave  power  to  possess  itself  of  new  soil,  and 
extend  the  influence  of  the  hateful  and  God-provoking  "  Institution," 
is  a  practical  commentary  upon  its  benefits  and  the  moral  qualities  of 
those  who  seek  to  sustain  and  extend  it.  The  author  r  therefore 
the  more  willing — nay,  anxious,  to  lay  alongside  of  such  arguments 
the  histoi-y  of  his  own  life  and  experiences  an  a  slave,  that  these  who 
read  may  know  what  are  some  of  the  characteristics  of  that  highly 
favored  intitution,  which  is  sought  to  be  preserved  and  perpetuated. 
"Facts  are  stubborn  things,"— and  this  is  the  reason  why  aU  systems, 
religious,  moral,  or  social,  which  are  founded  in  injustice,  and  sup- 
ported by  fraud  and  robbeiy,  suflfer  so  much  by  faithful  exposition. 

The  author  has  endeavored  to  present  a  true  statement  of  the  prac- 
tical workings  of  the  system  of  Slavery^  aa  he  has  seen  and  ^eit  U 
himtelf.    He  has  intended  "  nothing  to  eztenoate,  uor  aught  set  down 


zii 


PBEFACE. 


W-Wnc.;  ..pecia.,^«^sLe  ;U  '  ■'°  "^  "^""^  »'' 
-lightened  and  CMm^n  peol'^:!  ' 'T '°""^''°"  «"«"S  >» 
>»™.«  born /„.  and  ,^/^„f»:j';  P'»f««  >o  Weve  tla.  .U 
-n,  ,we.  „e  ny,.  ,1,,  ^  I  ;::;:?"■"  ^».«"-b.e  „>«.. 

Tie  author  claims  that  k.  i  f^"".""  """PP'ness. 
'«don,,.a„„t  aa  in  1'  T  r'"™""  ™»  "«  ^  k" 
^""^e;  a.d  that  h  h^"^'  "^  T"""  ""  '**«  '^^  in 
•Wte  then,  in  ^nne.rndtln::"  '""  "'=  '"  -""'^  '' 
"■"■^c  of  prejudice  and  pride  "IT  f  ^  °*^°"  °"  *'  "^-^'^ 
"^'  vain.  In  m,  .m  C  'el  ^d/  Hr  '"  °"°''  ™*  »'  «» 
"  «re  his  ^  j^,.  witTthe  l;   :"'  ""  "^'-^-P-enUng  .. 

»»™  of  Justice,  Humanitr  .TaZ  "  "'^  P'^'^  "  *• 

P««.ma,h..,.j,„™^-»      «^-3-.  .hat  those  ,l„  j.,,  ^^ 

•».l.v.d,  and  bid  w„  sId   !  r^l ""'  1  "^^  "»-  f™-  'lo 

"P'  a  Freeman  and  a  Brother  / 


srepreseoted 
the  power  to 
formitj  and 
n  among  an 
5ve  that  all 
lable  HghiB, 
I. 

e  had    his 
fellows  in 
»  efforts  tf 
e  opposing 
uch  of  his 
renting  as 
^r  nieixsies 
»d  in  the 
have  the 
from  the 


CHAPTER    r. 


SLAVE  LIFE  OX  THE  PLANTATION. 

T  WAS  born  in  Prince  William  County,  Virginia. 
X    At  seven  years  of  age,  I  found  myself  a  slave  on 
the  plantation  of  Capt.  William  Helm.     Our  familv 
consisted  of  my  father  and  mother-whose  names 
were  Robert  and   Susan   Steward-a  sister,  Mary 
and  myself.     As  was  the  usual  custom,  we  lived  in 
a  small  cabin,  built  of  rough  boards,  with  a  floor  of 
earth,  and  small  openings  in  the  sides  of  the  cabin 
were  substituted  for  windows.     The  chimney  was 
bmlt  of  s^cks  and  mud;  the  door,  of  rough  boards; 
and  the  whole  was  put  together  in  the  rudest  possible 
manner.    As  to  the  furniture  of  this  rude  dwelling 
It  was  procured  by  the  slaves  themselves,  who  were 
occasionally  permitted  to  earn  a  little  money  after 
heir  day's  toil  wa.  done.     I  never  knew  Capt.  H 
to  furnish  his  slaves  with  household  utensils  of  any 
aescription.  .  ^ 


14 


WEEKLY  ALLOWANCE  OP  FOOD. 


•The  amount  of  provision  given  out  on  the  planta- 
tion  per  week,  wa^  invariably  one  peck  of  com  or 
^neal  for  each  slave.      This  allowance  was  given  in 
meal  when  it  could  be  obtained;  when  it  could  not 
they  received  com,  which  they  pounded  in  mortars 
after  they  returned  from  their  labor  in  the  field.    The 
slaves  on  our  plantation  were  provided  with  very 
little  meat.     In  addition  to  the  peck'of  com  or  meal 
they  were  allowed  a  little  salt  and  a  few  herrings' 
If  they  wished  for  more,  they  were  obliged  to  eam  it 
by  over-work.      They  were  permitted  to  cultivate 
small  gardens,  and  were  thereby  Siabled  to  provide 
themselves  with  many  trifling  conveniences.      But 
these  gardens  were  only  allowed  to  some  of  the  more 
industrious.     Capt.  Helm  allowed  his  slaves  a  small 
quantity  of  meat  during  harvest  tmie,  but  when  the 
harvest  was  over  they  were  obliged  to  fall  back  on 
the  old  allowance. 

^  It  was  usual  for  men  and  women  to  work  side  by 

side  on  our  plantation ;  a^d  in  many  kinds  of  work, 

the  women  were  compelled  to  do  as  much  as  the  men! 

Capt.  II.  employed  an  overseer,  whose  business  it  was 

to  look  after  each  slave  in  the  field,  and  see  that  he 

performed  his  task.    The  overseer  always  went  around 

with  a  whip,   about  nine  feet  long,   made  of  the 

toughest  kind  of  cowhide,  the  but-end  of  which  was 

-oaded  with  lead,  and  was  about  four  or  five  inches  in 

circumference,  running  to  a  nm'nt.  of  +i,c.  «. „u. 


he  planta- 
f  com  or 

given  in 
jou.ld  not, 
a  mortara 
sld.     The 
s^ith  very 
I  or  meal, 
herrings, 
to  earn  it 
cultivate 
>  provide 
;s.      But 
the  more 

a  small 
i^hen  tlie 
back  on 

side  by 
)f  work, 
he  men. 
!s  it  was 
that  he 
around 
of  the 
ich  was 
iches  in 


SLAVK   LIFE  ON   rUU   Pl^ANTAlTON.  Ig 

extremity.    This  made  a  dreadful  instrument  of  tor- 
ture,  and,  when  in  the  hands  of  a  cruel  overseer,  it 
was  truly  fearful.    With  it^  the  skin  of  an  ox  or  a 
horse  could    be  cut  through.      Hence,  it  was  no 
uncommon  thing  to  see  the  poor  slaves  with  their 
bacla  mangled  in  a  most  horrible  manner.    Our  over- 
seer,  thus  armed  with  his  cowhide,  and  with  a  large 
bull-dog  behind  him,  foUowed  the  slaves  all  day;  and 
J  one  of  them  fell  in  the  rear  from  any  cause,  this 
cruel  weapon  was  plied  with  terrible  force.    He  would 
stnke  the  dog  one  blow  and  the  slave  another,  in 
order  to  keep  tie  former  from  tearing  the  delinquent 
dave  m  pieoes,-such  was  the  ferocity  of  his  canine 
attendant. 

It  was  the  rule  for  the  slaves  to  rise  and  be  ready 
for  their  task  by  sun-rise,  on  the  blowing  of  a  horn  or 
Z      T'/:f  woe  be  to  the  unfortuate,  who  was 
not  m  the  field  at  the  time  appointed,  which  was  in 
thirty  mmutes  from  the  first  somiding  of  the  horn.    1 
have  heard  the  poor  creatures  beg  as  for  their  lives,  of 
tue  inhuman  overseer,  to  desist  from  his  cruel  punish- 
ment.     Hence,  they  were  usually  found  in  the  field 
betimes  in  the  morning,"  (to  use  an  old  Virginia 
phrase),  where  they  worked  until  nine  o'clock.    Ihev 
were  then  aUowed  tUrty  minutes  to  eat  their  morning  * 
meal  which  consisted  of  a  little  bread.    At  a  given 
«.gnal,  all_hands  were  compelled  to  return  to  their 
wor^-      They  toiled  until  noon,  when  they  were 


16 


WODE  OF  COOKDJG. 


permitted  to  take  their  breakfast  wV  . 

w  our  dinner.  "^eajaaat,  which  corresponda 

*''e.eMJlt::2:-°''ot==ecoo.i„,    ^, 

"f  the  cook  a  certain  S.  Tf  7'  ""°  ''^  "^"^ 
once,  either  in  dough  or  C    "I-f'  ^'''^^  '^'"'^ 
the  following  manner      Tt:       t  ^'^  ^'^P"^"  ■" 
»d  TOUed  ,„p  each  pei^ont  11       ""'^"  "  ^°'  ^'^ 
Jeave.,  when  the^  ZZeoZ,  "  ""^  "^""^^^ 
»  hole  in  the  ashes,  clmw  \'"'^  ^"""^  '*  '» 

where  it  regained  ^nT^" ^f/^*  '"^^  --> 
way  is  very  sweet  and  g^d  R  T  '"'''''  '"  "''^ 
-uid  not  always  be  obtained,  mentv  "'  '"'" 
ease,  the  bread  was  i;tt]„  k  J  '"^  ^as  the 

dough  and  ashe«,  i'tas  *'  ^'^^  "  "'^*"^  "^ 
time  allowed  fo   1^^  ""'  ^'^  P^atable.    lie 

-o-al,  all  hands  w^ir/"« ''°"-     At  the 

The  overseer  waa^;  ^h    /"""^  ""^'^  *»"• 

'^ehnquents.whoneverl^eTtoIIr^*"^' 
heavy  whip.  '^'  *he  blows  of  his 

The  usual  mode  of  Duniabi„„  iii 
to  make  them  take  off  th^  ,    .       ^""^  ^'''^^  ^as, 
,  and  then  tie  therhafdat;       . "  *°  "'  '"^  ''^^ 
*  the  end  of  the  rope  ^  fb"     "  "'*  ""  "'^-  ^ 


SLAVE  LIFE   ON  THE   PLANTATION.  17 

poor,  helpless  victim.  Thirty-nine  was  the  number 
of  laahes  ordinarilj  inflicted  for  the  most  trifling 
offence.  ^ 

Who  can  imagine  a  position  more  painful?    Oh, 
who,  with  feelings  of  common  humanity,  could  look 
quietly  on  such  torture  ?     Who  could  remain  un- 
moved, to  see  a  fellow-creature  thus  tied,  unable  to 
move  or  to  raise  a  hand  in  his  own  defence;  scourged 
on  his  bare  back,  with  a  cowhide,  until  the  blood 
flows  in  streams  from  his  quivering  flesh  ?    And  for 
what?      Often  for  the  most  trifling  fault;    and,  as 
sometimes  occurs,  because  a  mere  whim  or  caprice 
of  his  brutal  overseer  demands  it.     Pale  with  pas- 
Pion,  his  eyes  flashing  and  his  stalwart  frame  trembling 
with  rage,  like  some  volcano,  just  ready  to  belch  forth 
its  fiery  contents,  and,  in  all  its  might  and  fury,  spread 
death   and  destruction  all   around,  he   continues  to 
wield  the  bloody  lash  on  the  broken  flesh  of  the  poor 
pleading  slave,  until  his  arm  grows  weary,   or  he 
sinks  down,  utterly  exhausted,  on  the  very  spot  where 
already  stand  the  pools  of  blood  which  his  cruelty  ha^ 
drawn  from  the  mangled  body  of  his  helpless  victim 
and  within  the  hearing  of  those  agonized  groans  ani 
feeble   cnes  of    "Oh  do,  Massal      Oh  do,  Ma.sal 
r>o  Lord,  have  mercy  I     Oh,  Lord,  have  mercy  I "  &c 
J^or  IS  this  cruel  punishment  inflicted  on  the  bare 
ba^^ks  of  the  male  portion  of  slaves  only.     Oh  no! 
-_-  -la, .  nuooand  aiuat  suomit  without  a  murmur,  to 


18 


CnVMLTT  OP  THE  OV^^^ 


he  naust  unresistingly  see^^  .       ^'^''^  '^°*.  b»t 
"Pon  her  shnnking  nl    ^  ^7^  <^^^^^^  ^^^^ 
writhe  in  inexpressible  tolr       .T  """""^^  "'»''« 
^'^  help  ring  througU  h'  rr  ^  ^  '  '"P"'^""'^  »"- 

«ghteous  indignation  find  novotlfr'''  and  hi^ 
the  human  monster  who  hoi  J^  '  ^'''^'""'  °f 

Afer  iho  infuriatedTj  """'°"  °^«^  him. 

"ted  his  thirst  r  vile"*^^  °~  had  sati- 
delinquent  slave,  CITZ"^  "^  '^'^'^»'  » 
"^''^aa  beat  hecouW  ;'T  '  "'  '^'^  *°  <=«'-' 
i-ees,  to  hia  lonel/a'nd  T  '"T  "^  ^'^  ''^"''^  »d 
^'-tohed  upon  the  Jldlh  !'''*''  '^''"'  "'"''' 
•-g  and  often  faint  from  th.  >       T  ""'^^  ^'^  "eed- 

^'-d  who  <rare  ad^rniat  71'  """^'  ^^*™'  '^ 
groaning  in  the  agony  of  1  „     ^  "«=<'^i«ea,  and 
cabin,  which  waa  not  aa  1^  "™*'"^  ^P^'"     I"  his 
"'  the  North,  he  might  IT    ^  T"^  "'  °"  ^t^Wes 
-ffieient  strength- LilTtletb""'""  "~^^""^ 
^.  ^d  all  this  time  without  a\.      """"'^'^  "P"" 

»  »7  of  the  .eoeasarie! tXe,    "  '^'  ^'°*'-^^' 
set-  considered  so  essential  to  the 

Perhaps  some  of  hk  fcii^     i 
"athe  his  wounda  m  w^^T  '"■■^''  "">«  »^        ' 
"Nothing  f~m  tearing  opThia  ^l;  *°  ''"^^'"  ""^ 

««>ke  the  second  auffLng  weSliJ'  T'  "'^'^  '^- 

g  well  nigh  equal  to  the  firet; 


SMTE  UPK  ON  THK  PlajITATlOK.  X9 

or  they  migU  from  then-  scanty  store  bring  him  such 
food  as  they  could  spare,  to  keep  him  from  sufforin^ 
hunger,  and  offer  their  sympathy,  and  then  drag  thei^ 
own  weaiy  bodies  to  their  place  of  rest,  afte^  thl^ 
daily  task  was  finished. 

Oh  you  who  have  hearts  to  feel;  you  who  have 
kmd  fr,ends  around  you,  in  sickness  and  in  sorrow 

down-trodden  slave.     Has  sickness  laid  its  with  ring 

hand  upon  you,  or  disappointment  blasted  your  fai^st 

earthly  prospects,  still,  the  outgushings  rf  an  ^ 

bonate  heart  are  not  denied  you,  and^ou  mry  ^rk 

forward  w.h  hope  to  a  bright  f.ture.  'suchT loj 

»c.aom  ammates  the  heart  of  the  poor  slave.    JIc  toS! 

n,  >„  h,s  unrequited  labor,  looking  only  to  the  Javo 

to  find  a  quiet  resting  ph^,  ^here  he  wiU  iTZ 

from  the  oppressor.  ^ 


OHAPTEE    II. 


■4.T  THE  GREAT  HOTOE. 
TT/-HEN  eight  years  of  age,  I  wa.  taken  to  the 

Stand  m  the  presence  of  my  masters  family  all  the 
^y,  ana  a  part  of  the  night,  ready  to  do  Ly  thing 
which  they  commanded  me  to  perform 
My  master's  family  consisted  of  himself  and  wife 

Barsly  Taylor,  had  also  a  wife  and  five  children. 
These  constituted  the  white  population  on  the  plan- 
ation.     Capt.  Helm  was  the  owner   .f  about  one 
hundred  slaves,  which  made  the  resider  ts  on  the  plan- 
tation number  about  one  hundred  and  sixteen  per- 
-«s  m  all.    One  hundred  and  seven  of  them,  we^ 
-q«.red  to  labor  for  the  benefit  of  the  rem^Ig 
n.n  ,  who  possessed  that  vast  domain;  and  one  hundred 
of  the  number  doomed  to  unreciuited  toil,  under  tho 


AT  THE   GREAT  HOUSE. 


21 


lash  of  a  cruel  task-master  during  life,  with  no  hope 
of  release  this  side  of  the  grave,  and  as  far  as  the 
cruel  oppressor  is  concerned,  shut  out  from  hope 
beyond  it. 

And  here  let  me  ask,  why  is  this  practice  of  work- 
lug  slaves  half  clad,  poorly  fed,   with  nothing  or 
nearly  so,  to  stimulate  them  to  exertion,  but  fear  of 
the  lash?     Do  the  best  interests  of   our  common 
country  require  it  ?    I  think  not.     Did  tb^  true  inter- 
est of  Capt.  Helm  demand  it  ?    Whatever  may  have 
been  his  opinion,  I  cannot  think  it  did.     Can  it  be  for 
the  best  interest  or  good  of  the  enslaved  ?    Certainly 
not;  for  there  is  no  real  inducement  for  the  slave- 
holder  to  make  beasts  of  burden  of  his  fellow  men, 
but  that  which  was  frankly  acknowledged  by  Gibbs 
and  other  piiates:  "we  have  the  power,"-the  power 
to  rob  and  murder  on  the  high  seas  I -which  they 
will  undoubtedly  continue  to  hold,  until  overtaken 
by  justice;  which  will  certainly  come  some  time,  just 
as  sure  as  that  a  righteous  God  reigns  over  the  earth 
or  rules  in  heaven. 

Some  have  attempted  to  apologize  for  the  enslaving 
of  the  Negro,  by  saying  that  they  are  inferior  to  the 
Anglo  saxon  race  in  every  respect.  This  charge  I 
deny;  it  is  utterly  false.  Does  not  the  Bible  inform 
us  that  "God  hath  created  of  one  blood  all  the  natio.. 
of  c  .e  earth  ?  "  And  certainly  in  stature  and  physiuu 
force  the  colored  man  is  quite  cquaJ  to  his  white 


m 


OAPT.   MPr,M,   A  OREAT  GAMESTEB. 


bwAw,  and  m  many  instances  hi^  superior,  but  wore 

t  otherw,.e,  I  can  not  see  why  the  more  fa  -orcd  ela. 

diould  enslave  the  other.    True,  God  ha,  given  to    " 

sti  r:a" ,:  -^^ -p'---  *b»  to  his  .l  bro  h * 

stil ,  each  have  the  same  desires  and  aspirations     The 
food  re,u.red  for  .he  sustenance  of  1  is  eq„l 
nceessa^  for  the  other.      Naturally  or   phy,S  1 
'hoy  alike  require  to  be  warmed  by  the  ch^eS' 
when  chilled  by  our  northern  wind's  tlT  ^ 
st:ir  7  welcome  the  coo,  spring  and  the  d^htfu 
shade  of  summer.     Hence,  I  have  come  to  the  con- 
c  us.on  that  God  c^at^d  aU  men  free  and  equa    and 
placed  them  upon  this  earth   ■    ^.^       ^       , 
each  otl,„,      jV  ""  S^od  and  benefit 

each  other,  and  that  war  and  slavery  should  be  ban- 
ished  from  the  face  of  tie  earth. 
My  dear  reader  will  not  understand  me  to  say  that 

rr  aid       t  *''  '*  "  '"'  <'*^™--;  fc-'  to 

charged.    But,  to  resume  our  narrative 

er^Tf^'Z  r  ?'  ^^-yh-d  m=Lter;  but  ,,,..- 
eraUy  was  kmd  and  pleasant.     Indulgent  when  in 
good  humor,  but  like  many  of  the  so„therne.;t^^ib 
wh^^n  a  passion.    He  was  a  great  sportsman,  i 
Z.  t  -  T^-    =«  8^"^-%  ^^-P'  one  o;  two 

able  d.v....on  m  that  section  of  country.    He  was  not 


AT  TUK  GHKAT  HOUSE.  23 

[only  a  sporteman,  but  a  gamester,  and  was  in  the 

habit  of  play,ng  eards,  and  sometime,  betting  very 

I  lugh  an,]  Ivsmg  ,,  wdingly.  **    ^ 

^I  wen  r.nember  an  instanee  of  the  kind:  it  was 
w...,.  he  played  eards  with  a  Mr.  W.  Graham,  who 

ih      ,  T.  "  °°"  ''^'^P'  *^°  «'""»»'>d  and  seven 

ao^  of  less  value,  one  slave,  and  his  wife's  gold 
Wtoh  The  company  deeided  that  all  this  was  fairly 
™n  but  Capt.  Helm  demun^d,  and  refused  to  givl 
P  the  propeny  untU  an  applieation  waa  made  to  Gen 

reved\.  .  •  ^^  "°"'^'*  P"^^'"".  »■><!  con- 

I'cyed  to  hia  own  plantation. 

Cap!  Helm  was  not  a  good  business  ma«,  unless 

t      n  the   T  T- *"   ""  •'"*^"^*«'>  "*  -er? 
h:  1  ""=  P'""'^'"'".  »d  aUowed  to  manage  about 

nnjang  what  lie  called  "  ornrr  "  wI^^-^t, 

-e.th.wbis.y.of^^bi;t::.r- 

K'^v^:-i:;^":t^:-s^j'f 

-     —   -<-n.x«ciit(    vtiiiCii 


24 


^i^S.  IIELU   USES  THE  COWHIDK. 


I)     i 


occurred    between    Po>.+     rr  , 

a  healthier  bev  Le  1  l'^^^  '^^   '^   ^ 

would  Cl^td  f -T  *^"'"  ''"^'«^-  *<-'  h« 
^Avt,  monger  and  drink  whist V  +\^^  +i     /-t  , 

who  drank  wine.    Shortly  Xr  Col  T,  "'' 

called  home  by  the  Britii  T  ^''''™«°°  was 

tis  way  to  4la     ,^f  ,rM::T'  ""'  """^  "" 
a  -k  of  brandy,  ;a.  t^  hie  ^^CbTp   " 

H...adecon3iderableeirortto";,,;r„rr 

«enXXrhe::Zh?£-rr 

^ns,  and  looking  after  the  set^T^T' 
■  ^"^^  »cold,-.«„tinualIy  findinlTult  wL        """  " 
«>e   servants,   and  frequently  puSn!'  """'  °' 

she   would  causp  +^   i  •  ^^  servants 

wuuia  cause  to  be  punished   by  havino-  ^h 

severely  whinnerl  K,r  „  .         "^  saving  them 

/  ^^iiPPed  by  a  man,   which  she  never  failed 

bemg  punished— I  care  nnf  i.^      ..      •  "^        ^ 

bp  T,.^!        •    .  *  ^°^  attentive  they  mie-ht 


1^ 


AT  THE   GREAT  HOUSE.  £5 

It  crocked  It  I     That  was  enough  to  inyoke  the  wrath 

of  my  master,  who  came  forth  immediately  witlw 

Wwh,p,  with  which  he  whipped  my  p„i 

most  unmercifully-far  more  severel/tL„  Ht 

pnew  h.m  to  whip  a  horse. 

I  once  had  the  misfortune  to  break  the  lock  of 
Imaster's  shot  ffun    and  wl,„„  •* 

(ledee    he  .o,„     .  ''•■'™  *°  ^"'^  ^^-now- 

jjeuge,  ne  came  to  me  in    n   t„,„    ■ 

leharrred  ^»      -.^      ,  towermg  passion,   and 

r^  grasp,     riien  master  gave  mp  +1.0 
loo-oino-  tinnf  T  ^  *^®  ^^^t  Severe 

Paging  that  I  ever  received,  and  I  prav  fiorl  +1    .  t 
pay  never  ao-oin  ^^      •  ^    -^  "^^  *^^^*  I 

Lt  ff      ^       ^^P^^ience  such  torture.     And  vet 
papt.  Helm  wa<?  no+  thp  w.-^-^    ^  "^ 

-  ao„  me  worst  of  masters. 


26 


HUMILITY  OF  aLAVEa. 


These  cruelhes  are  daily  occurrences,  and  so  degrad- 

crushes  and  brutalizes  the  wretched  slave    but! 
hardens  the  heart,  benun^bs  all  the  fine  fee  lint  of 
hun^an.^,  and  deteriorates  from  the  character  ^  th 
«de:.  themselves, -whether  man  or  worn  „ 
Other^e,  how  could  a  gentle,  and  in  other  resper*"' 
am.able  woman,  look  on  such  scenes  of  cruelty,  C 
out  a  shudder  of  utter  abhorrence  ?    But  slavehold  t 

Jn  andT  /^  ™'"'  *""«''  ^^^  eommon,ly 

he  backs  of  their  slaves,  and  that  too  on  those  of 
&e:x  own  sex  I  Far  rather  would  I  spend  my  life  L 
a  State's  Pnson,  than  be  the  slave  of' he  beslsw" 
holder  on  the  earth  I 

When  I  was  not  employed  as  an  errand-boy,  it  was 
■ny  duty  to  stand  behind  my  master's  chair  wjch 
was  aon.et.mes  the  whole  day,  never  being  allo'wiJt 
«t  m  h.s  presence.     Indeed,  no  slave  is  ever  allowed 

If  a  slave  ,s  addressed  when  sitting,  he  is  required  to 
Bpnng  to  Us  fee,  and  instantly  remove  his  hat,   f  ht 

laTthT'f      .T"  "  *^  """''  '^"""^'«  »-;er,  or 

I  slept  in  the  same  room  with  my  master  and  n-is- 
tress.    This  room  was  elegantly  furnished  with  damasl. 


AT  THE  GREAT  HOUSE. 


27 


curtains,  mahogany  bedstead  of  the  most  expensive 
kind,  and  every  thing  else  about  it  was  of  the  most 
costly  kind.  And  while  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Helm  reposed 
on  their  bed  of  down,  with  a  cloud  of  lace  floating 
over  them,  lilce  some  Eastern  Prince,  with  their  slaves 
to  fan  them  while  they  slept,  and  to  tremble  when 
vhev  .woke,  I  always  slept  upon  the  floor,  without  a 
pillow  or  even  a  blanket,  but,  like  a  dog,  lay  down 
anywhere  I  could  find  a  place. 

Slaves  are  never  allowed  to  leave  the  plantation  to 
which  they  belong,  without  a  written  pass.     Should 
any  one  venture  to  disobey  this  law,   he  will  most 
ikely  be  caught  by  the  patrol  and  given  thirty-nine 
laches.     This  patrol  is  always  on  duty  every  Sunday 
going   to   each   plantation  under  their  supervision' 
entermg  every  slave  cabin,  and  examining  closely  the 
conduct  of  the  slaves;   and  if  they  find  one  slave 
from  another  plantation  without  a  pass,  he  is  imme- 
diately  punished  with  a  severe  flogging. 

I  recoUect  going  one  Sunday  with  my  mother,  to 
visit  m3,  grand-mother;  and  while  there,  two  or  three 
of  the  patrol  came  and  looked  into  the  cabin,  and  sec 
ing  my  pother,  demanded  her  pass."  She  told  them 
that  she  had  one,  but  had  left  it  in  another  cabin,  from 
whence  she  soon  brought  it,  which  saved  her  a  whip, 
pmg  but  we  were  terribly  frightened 
The  reader  will  obtain  a  better  knowledge  of  the 

character  of  a  Vircnnin  «otj.oI  W  ^i        -  - 

-o —  i^aiToi,  by  liie  reiauon  of  an 


sd 


A  KIND  MASTEB. 


of  C^r^f  came  off  on  the  neighboring  planUtion 
^  Col.  Alexander,  in  which  some  forty  of  Capt. 
He  m  3  slaves  were  engaged,  and  which  proved  rather 
destructive  of  human  life  in  the  end 

own!'  ""'  '"'  "^  *"'  ''  '^  °°'  '"«'-  *l-t  »'-« 
tL  r  "?  '''^'*'^  '"  '^'"'^"^^  *»  *heir  slaves. 
I  he  more  tyranmcal  a  master  is,  the  more  will  he  be 

from  the  day  that  he  acquires  the  reputation  of  a  kind 
nd  indulgent  master,  he  is  looked  upon  with  sus- 
p.con,   and   sometmies  hatred,   and    his  slaves  are  . 
watched  more  closely  than  before 

owned  a  great  number  of  slaves,  but  he  was  very 
ju^ly  suspected  of  being  a  kind,  humane,  and  indul^ 
gont   master.     His  slaves  were  always  better  fed 
better  clad,  and  had  greater  privileges  than  anv  I 

h  cl  long  had  an  eye  on  them,  anxious  to  flog  some  of 

those  pampered  niggers,  who  were  spoiled  by  the 

mdulgence  of  a  weak^  inefficient,  but  well-meLng 

dani''  "^T  T. '"''  "''™'  *'  '"'"'y  '°  set  up  a  grand 
dance.    Invitations  were  sent  and  accepted,  to  a  large 

m  les  around,  all  or  many  of  the  slaves  were  in  high 

to  oomo  off  on  Easter  night.    In  the  mean  time,  the 


AT  THE  GREAT  HOUSE.  29 

patrol  was  closely  watching  their  movements,  and 
evmced  rather  a  joyful  expectancy  of  the  many  they 
should  find  there  without  a  pass,  and  the  fio^.[u<r 
they  would  give  them  for  that,  if  not  guilty  of  ^.ny 
other  offence,  and  perhaps  they  might  catch  some  of* 
the  Colonel's  slaves  doing  something  for  which  they 
could  be  taught  "to  know  their  pla^e,"  by  the  appli- 
cation  of  the  cowhide. 

The  slaves  on  Col.  A.'s  plantation  had  to  provide 
and  prepare  the  supper  for  the  expected  vast  "turn 
out,  '  which  was  no  light  matter;  and  as  slaves  like 
on  such  occasions  to  pattern  as  much  as  possible  after 
their  master's  family,   the  result   was,  to  meet  the 
emergency  of  the  case,  they  took,  without  sayin^  ''bv 
jour  leave,  Sir,"  some  property  belonging  to"' their 
master,  reasoning  among  themselves,  as  slaves  often 
do,  that  It  can  not  be  stcaliuff,  because  "it  belongs  to 
massa,  and  so  do  we,  and  we  only  use  one  part  of  his 
property  to  benefit  another.     Sure,  'tis  all  massa's." 
And  ,f  ,hey  do  not  get  detected  in  this  removal 
of     ma.sas  property"  from  one  location  to  another, 
they  think  no  more  of  it. 

Col.  Alexander's  slaves  were  hurrying  on  with  their 
great  preparations  for  the  dance  and  feast;  and  as  the 
t.me  drew  near,  the  old  and  knowing  ones  might  be 
seen  m  groups  discussing  the  matter,  with  many  a 
wmk  and  nod;  but  it  was  in  the  valleys  and  bv-plaL 
™  tue  younger  portion  were  to  be  found,  rather 


30 


AT  THE   GREAT  HOUSF, 


secretly  preparing  food  for  the  great  time  coming. 
This  consisted   of  hogs,    sheep,    calves;    and  as  to 
master's  poultry,  that  suffered  daily.     Sometimes  it 
was  missed,  but  the  disappearance  was  always  easily 
accounted  for,  by  informing  "massa"  that  a  great  num- 
ber of  hawks  had  been  around  of  late;  and  their 
preparation  went  on,  night  after  night,  undetected. 
They  who  repaired  to  a  swamp  or  other  by-place  to 
cook  by  night,  carefully  destroyed  everything  likely 
to  detect  them,  before  they  returned  to  their  cabins  in 
the  morning. 

The  night  for  the   dance  came  at  last,  and  long 
before  the  time,  the  road  leading  to  Col.  Alexander's 
plantation  presented  a  gay  spectacle.      The  females 
were  seen  flocking  to  the  place  of  resort,  with  heads 
adorned  with  gaudy  bandanna  turbans  and  new  calico 
dresses,   of  the    gayest  colors,— their    whole    attire 
decked  over  with  bits  of  gauze  ribbon  and  other 
fantastic  finery.    The  shades  of  night  soon  closed  over 
the  plantation,  and  then  could  be  heard  the  rude 
music  and  loud  laugh  of  the  unpolished  slave.    It 
was  about  ten  o'clock  when  the  aristocratic  slaves  began 
to  assemble,   dressed  in  the  cast-off  fnery  of  theii- 
master  and  mistress,  swelling  out  and  putting  on  airs 
in  imitation  of  thof  3  they  were  forced  to  obey  from 
day  to  day. 

When  they  were  all  assembled,  the  dance  com- 
,  my  oiQ  ^^.^ui-cr  ELiuck  up  some  lavonte  tune, 


SUFFERINa  AND  TOIL  FORGOTTEN. 


81 


inie  coining, 
and  as  to 
sometimes  it 
Iways  easily 
a  great  num- 
j;  and  their 

undetected. 

by-place  to 
thing  likely 
eir  cabins  in 

3t,  and  long 
Alexander's 
^he  females 
with  heads 

new  calico 
hole    attire 

and  other 
closed  over 
I  the  rude 

slave.  It 
hves  began 
Y  of  their 
ing  on  airs 
obey  from 

ance  com- 
orite  tune, 


and  over  the  floor  they  went;  the  flying  feet  of  the 
dancers  were  heard,  pat,  pat,  over  the  apartment  till 
the  clock  warned  them  it  was  twelve  at  midnight,  or 
what  some  call  "low  twelve,"  to  distinguish  it  from 
twelve  o'clock  at  noon;  then  the  violin  cea^d  its 
discordant  sounds,  and  the  merry  dancers  paused  to 
take  breath. 

Supper  was  then  announced,  and  all  began  to  pre- 
pare for  the  sumptuous  feast.  It  being  the  pride  of 
slaves  to  imitate  the  manners  of  their  master  and 
mistress,  especially  in  the  ceremonies  of  the  table, 
all  was  conducted  with  great  propriety  and  good 
order.  The  food  was  well  cooked,  and  in  a  very 
plentiful  supply.  They  had  also  managed  in  some 
way,  to  get  a  good  quantity  of  excellent  wine,  which 
was  sipped  in  the  most  approved  and  modern  style. 
Every  dusky  face  was  lighted  up,  and  every  eye 
sparkled  with  joy.  However  ill  fed  they  might 
have  been,  here,  for  once,  there  was  plenty.  Suffer- 
ing and  toil  was  forgotten,  and  they  all  seemed  with 
one  accord  to  give  themselves  up  to  the  intoxication 
of  pleasurable  amusement. 

House  servants  were  of  course,  "  the  stars"  of  the 
party;  all  eyes  were  turned  to  them  to  see  how  they 
conducted,  for  they,  among  slaves,  are  what  a  military 
man  would  call  "fugle-men."  The  fleld  hands,  and 
such  of  them  as  have  generally  been  excluded  from 
the  dwelling  of  their  owners,   look  to    the  house 


82 


AT  TBE  GREAT  HOUSE. 


theirs:  e'r;  412  .tv-"^-  ^-  --^  ^^ 

nese  acts  of  perfidy,  and  sometimes  downright  false 

lui  V  '  *°  ^"'^P  ^""^^  °™^  ""-out  him- 

S  t  "\T'''™"  ""'S^'''  -  addition  to  a' 
™  to  send  h.m  away,  for  fear  of  the  vengean^ 
of  the  betrayed  slaves.  I„  the  family  of  Ms  I  ^ 
the  example  of  briberv  ^r.^   +       i.  -Piaster, 

before  him,  hence  ttth!t  "^  "  '^''  ^' 

,  utjuce  It  IS,  that  msurrect bns  and  stom 

pedes  are  so  generally  detected       Sn.l.    T 

tne  center,  and  with  one  mighty  burst  of  .>=  i 
th,t  ere  .    .r  ™  ^'  "^H  he  tnows  not  but 


titilitj.  And 
btaining  any 
IM  "genteel 

a  privileged 
while  others 
for  many  of 
tnd  mischief- 
avor  of  his 
fellow-slave, 
d;   and  for 
right  false- 
who  knows 
ibout  him; 
ition  to  a 
vengeance 
bis  master, 
i  ever  set 
and  stam- 
?laves  are 
srs,  for  the 
v^er  a  vol- 
idation  to 

its  long 
)  destruc- 
s  not  but 
y  be  left 
of  those 
I  with  a 


THE  PARTV  SUKPBI3ED  BY  THE  PATBOr,.         88 

Bat  fe  supper,  like  other  evenH  came  to  an  end  at 

winch  had  been  secret^  brought  from  the  ^^^ 
house,"  was  hurriedly  cleansed  bythe  slaves,  and  el 
fUIly  returned.    The  floor  was  again  cleared  the  vLI 

^.A.cane.ara;ternr.:;'ir:^ 
:   mus.  suddenly  ceased,  and  the  old  musician  a^n'mtd 
a  hstenmg  atftude.      Every  foot  was   moUonl^ 
every  face  terrified,  and  eve^  ear  listening  forte 
cause  of  the  alarm.  ^         ^® 

Soon  the  slave  who  was  kept  on  the  "lock-out" 
shouted  to  the  listenpro  +i..    •     i  ^"^k  out, 

.n^  ,1.      .1,         ^'^^^°^^«  t^e  smgle  word   "mjiro;/" 

"trd^r;rtfr""'~— ^ 

p:/"C:2:eTrargra:r-rr 

felt  the  lash  and  heard  the  crtk^fl,  ^^  "^^ 
w%;  others  clenched  th  ul  .  "'""''''' 
attitude  of  bold  defianc  while  at;::' T'""'''  " 
t^aeted  the  brow  of  all     T  ^^^  ^'•'''"'  "O"- 

oppressors.  -But  what  could  be  done?  Th«  ».  .  i 
[wasnearinff  the  hnii^-  i.  «  ^loner  I  he  patrol 
^  'tiing  me  buildm^,  when  ati  nthi-t'"  r—     -  i 

r slave,  whohadbnpn  k..  :„.,..  ..'~  :  ^^^^"'  P">^errui 


who  had  been  but  a  short 


time  from  his  "father* 


B* 


84 


AT  THE  GREAT  HOUSE. 


land,    whose  spirit  the  cowardly  overseer  had  labored 
m  vam  to  quell,  said  in  a  calm,  clear  voice,  that  we 
Had  better  stand  our  ground,  and  advised  the  fen^.les 
to  ose  no  time  in  useless  wailing,  but  get  their  thin^, 
and  repair  immediately  to  a  cabin  at  a  short  distana^ 
and  there  remain  quiet,  without  a  light,  which  they 
did  with  all  possible  haste.     The  men  were  terrified 
at  this  bold  act  of  their  leader;  and  many  with  dismay 
at  the  thought  of  resistance,  began  to  skulk  behind 
fences  and  old  buildings,  when  he  opened  the  door 
and  requested  every  slave  to  leave  who  felt  unwilling 
to  fight.      None  were  urged   to  remain,  and  those 
who  stood  by  him  did  so  voluntarily. 

Their  number  was  now  reduced  to  twenty-five  men 
but  the  leader,  a  gigantic  African,  with  a  massive! 
compact  frame,  and  an  arm  of  great  strength,  looked    ' 
competent  to  put  ten  common  men  to  flight     He 
clenched  his  powerful  fist,  and  declared  that  he  would 
resist  unto  death,  before  he  would  be  arrested  by  those 
savage  men,  even  if  they  promised  not  to  flog  him 
They  closed  the  door,  and  agi-eed  not  to  open  it;  and 
then  the  leader  cried,  "Extinguish  the  lights  and  let 
taem  come !  we  will  meet  them  hand  to  hand  I "   Five 
of  the  number  he  stationed  near  the  door,  with  orders 
to  rush  out,  if  the  patrol  entered,  and  seize  their 
horses,  cut  the  bridles,  or  otherwise  unfit  them  for 
use      This  would  prevent  them  from  giving  an  alarm 
and  getting  a  reinforcement  from  surrounding  planta- 


had  labored 
)ice,  that  wc 
the  females 
their  things 
3rt  distance, 
which  tliey 
ere  terrified 
with  dismay 
:ulk  behind 
d  the  door 
tt  unwilling 
and  tho.se 

y-five  men, 
a  massive, 
?th,  looked  ' 
3ight.  He 
fc  he  would 
d  by  those 

flog  him. 
en  it;  and 
its  and  let 
dl"  Five 
ith  orders 
size  their 

them  for 

an  alarm 
ig  plantar 


THE  SLAVES   PLAN  RESISTANCE.  86 

tions.  In  silence  they  awaited  the  approadi  of  the 
enemy,  and  soon  the  tramping  of  horses'  feet  announc- 
ed their  approach,  but  .when  within  a  fc^y  yards  of  the 
house  tHey  halted,  and  were  overheard  by  one  of  the 
skulking  slaves,  maturing  their  plans  and  mode  of 
attack.  There  was  great  hesitancy  expressed  by  a 
part  of  the  company  to  engage  in  the  affair  at  all. 

'  Coming  evenia  rast  their  shadow  before." 

The  maj(.rity,  however,  seemed  to  think  it  safe  enou^rh 
and  utte-ed  expressions  of  triumph  that  they  had  got 
the  rascals  at  last. 

"Are  you  not  afraid  that  they  will  resist?"  said 
the  weaker  party. 

•'  ^^sist  ?  "  was  the  astonished  answer.     "  This  old 
fellow,  the  Colonel,  has  pampered  and  indulged  his 
slaves,  It  is  true,  and  they  have  slipped  through  our 
fingers  whenever  we  have  attempted  to  chastise  them- 
but  they  are  not  such  fools  as  to  dare  resistance  I 
Those  niggers  know  .^  well  as  we,  that  it  is  death,  by 
the  law  of  the  State,  for  a  slave  to  strike  a  white  man." 
Very  true,"  said  the  other,  ''but  it  is  dark  and 
long  past  midnight,  and  beside  they  have  been  indulg- 
^ng  their  appetites,  and  we  cannot  tell  what  they  may 
attempt  to  do."  ^     ^ 

"  Pshaw  1"  he  answered,  contemptuously,  "  they  are 
nnarmed.  and  T  d  ould  not  f.     •  \i     -  ''"^Jare 

,^'  ^^^^^  ^°t  fear  m  the  least,  to  go  in 

among  them  ahne,  armed  only  with  my  cowhide  1" 


3ti 


AT  TliK   aUKAT   HOUSE. 


As  you  please,  then,"  he  said,  rather  dubiously, 
but  look  well  to  your  weapons ;  are  thev  in  order?" 
In  prime  order.  Sir."     And  putting  spurs  to  their 
horses  were  soon  at  the  house,  where  they  dismount- 
ed and  requested  one  of  the  party  to  remain  with  the 
horses. 

"  What,"  said  he,  "  are  you  m  chicken-hearted  as  to 
suppose  those  d-d  cowardly  niggers  are  going  to  get 
up  an  insurrection  ?" 

"  Oh  no,"  he  replied,  carelessly,  but  would  not  con- 
sent  to  have  the  horses  left  alone.     "  Besides,"  said  he 
they  may  forget  themselves  at  this  late  hour;  but  if 
they  do,  a  few  lashes  of  the  cowhide  will  quicken  their 
memory,  I  reckon." 

The  slaves  were  aware  of  their  movemente,  and 
prepared  to  receive  them. 

They  stepped  up  to  the  door  boldly,  and  demanded 
admittance,  but  all  was  silent;  they  tried  to  open  it 
biit  It  was  fastened.     Those  inside,  ranged  on  each  side 
ot  the  door,  and  stood  perfectly  still. 

The  patrol  finding  the  slaves  not  disposed  to  obey 

burst  off  tlie  slight  fastening  that  secured  the  door,  and 

the  chief  of  the  patrol  bounded  into  their  midst,  follow- 

ed by  several  of  his  companions,  all  in  total  darknessi 

Jam  IS  the  attempt  to  describe  the  tumultuous  scene 

whch  followed.     Hand  to  hand  they  fought  and  strug- 

gled  with  each  other,  amid  the  terrific  explosion  of  fire- 

arms,--oaths  and  curses,  mingled  with  the  prayers  of 


'  (lubiouslj, 
'■  in  order  ?" 
urs  to  their 
y  dismount- 
in  with  the 

sarted  as  to 
)ing  to  get 

d  not  con* 
3,"  said  he, 
ur;  but  if 
Icken  their 

lents,  and 

demanded 
)  open  it, 
each  side 

I  to  obey, 
door,  and 
it,  follow- 
larkness  I 
)us  scene 
nd  strug- 
Q  of  fire- 
ajers  of  . 


THE  FEABFUL  FIGHT.  37 

the  wounded,  and  the  groans  of  the  dying  I  Two  of 
the  patrol  were  killed  on  the  spot,  and  lay  drenched  in 
the  warm  blood  that  so  lately  flowed  through  their 
veins.  Another  with  his  arm  broken  and  otherwise 
wounded,  lay  groamng  and  helpless,  beside  the  fallen 
slaves,  who  had  sold  their  lives  so  dearly.  Another  of 
his  fellows  was  found  at  a  short  distance,  mortally 
wounded  and  about  to  bid  adieu  to  life.  In  the  yard 
lay  the  keeper  of  the  horses,  a  stiffened  corpse.  Six 
01  the  slaves  were  killed  and  two  wounded. 

It  would  be  impossible  to  convey  to  the  minds  of 
northern  people,  the  alarm  and  perfect  consternation 
that  the  above  circumstance  occasioned  in  that  commu- 
nity.     The  knovdedge  of  its  occurrence  w^xs  carried 
from  one  plantation  to  another,  as  on  the  wings  of  the 
wind;   exaggerated  accounts  were  given,   and  pro- 
plieciesof  the  probable  result  made,  until  the  excite- 
ment became  truly  fearful.     Every  cheek  was  blanch- 
ed  and  every  frame  trembled  when  listening  to  the 
tale,  that  "insurrection  among  the  slaves  had  commenc- 
ed on  the  plantation  of  Col.  Alexander;  that  three  or 
four  of  the  patrol  had  been  killed,  &c."     The  day  af- 
ter  people  flocked  from  every  quarter,  armed  to  the 
teeth    swearing  vengeance  on  the  defenceless  slaves. 

IrTj-  'T"'  ''"""  ''''''  *^^^'  ^^^  --*-t  and 
tormenting  fear  in  which  the  slaveholder  lives,  and 
yet  he  repents  not  of  his  deeds 
'i'he  kind  old  Colonel  wa.  placed  in  the  most  diffi- 


88 


AT  THE  GREAT  HOUSE. 


cult  and  unenviable  position.    His  warn  heart  was  m 
ed  witli  sorrow  for  the  loss  of  his  slaves,  but  not  alone 
-IB  generally  the  ease  in  sach  instances,  beeanse  h^ 

death  of  h,s  fa>thful  servant,  and  boldty  rebuked  the 
occasion  of  their  sudden  decease.    When  beset  and 
harra^ed  by  h.s  neighbors  to  give  „p  his  slaves  to  be 
taed  for  .nsurxeetion  and  murder,  he  boldly  resisted, 
contending  for  the  natural  .'.ht  of  the  slaves' to  act  in 
th™  own  defence,  and  especially  when  on  his  own 
plantation  and  in  their  own  quarters.    They  contend- 
ed,  however,  that  as  his  slaves  had  got  up  a  dance,  and 
tad  rnvted  those  of  the  adjoining  plantations,  tl^  pa- 
ta.1  was  on  y  discharging  their  duty  in  looking  after 
them;  but  the  gallant  old  Colonel  defended  his  daves 
and  told  them  plainly  that  he  should  continue  to  do  .,o 
to  the  extent  of  his  abihty  and  means. 

The  poor  slaves  were  sad  enough,  on  the  morning 
after  the,r  merry  meeting,  and  they  might  be  see^ 
sland,ng  ,„  groups,  conversing  with  a  very  diiferent 
air  from  the  one  they  had  worn  the  day  before 

Their  business  was  now  to  prepare  the  bodies  of 
their  late  associates  for  the  grave.  Eobert,  the  brave 
African  who  had  so  boldly  led  them  on  the  night  be- 
fore,  and  who  had  so  judiciously  provided  for  their  es- 
cape  was  calmly  sleeping  in  death's  cold  embrace. 
He  m  a  wife  and  iive  slave  children.  Two  of  the 
'  olavcs  .eft  lamiiies,  whose  pitiful  cries  it  was 
painful  to  liear. 


t  was  fill- 
lot  aloncj 
icause  he 
stted  the 
liked  the 
eset  and 
res  to  be 
resisted, 
to  act  in 
tiis  own 
Jontend- 
nee,  and 
the  pa- 
ig  after 
i  slaves, 
to  do  so 


lorning 
>e  seen 
ifferent 

iies  of 
s  brave 
?ht  be- 
leir  es- 
ibrace. 
of  the 
it  was 


FUNERAL  OP  THE  MURDERED  SLAVE.     39 

The  Qolonel's  family,  deeply  afflietetl  by  what  wa. 

pa.s,„g  around  them,  attended  the  funeral     OneTf 

he  slave.,  who  sometimes  officiated  as  a  minister,  read 

a  porhon  of  Seripture,  and  gave  out  two  by^...LjZ 

ot  which  commences  with 

'■  Hartl  from  the  t,mb  a  doleful  «„,„i» 

Both  were  sung  with  great  solemnity  by  the  co-,^e 
gafon,  and  then  the  good  old  man  offered  a  p;^" 

human  hfe  and  the  certainty  of  death,  and  more  than 
once  hnted  at  the  hardness  of  their  lot,  assuring,  W 
;™V"-\f"°--'--.  that  if  they  were  good  and 

^.  hful  all  would  be  right  hereafter.  His  mLr,  C  , 

Alexander,  was  deeply  affected  h^  +i.-      •      i     . 

oriri  r  ,      "^  ^y  *"^s  simple  fa  th 

and  sincere  regard  for  ih^  i.^.+  •  ^ 

master  and  slavT  ""''"'■'  "'  ^"'  '^"^ 

tarThr  '"'  '"'  "*  *"^  ^'="— vants  had  been 
taken,  the  procession  was  fo^ed  in  the  following 
manner:  First,  the  old  slave  minister,  then  the  remain! 

c™\t'  ^^''^''^^''-^P'"="->atives;tC 
came  the  master  and  his  family;  next  the  slaves 
belonging  to  the  plantation;   and  ta,  friends  ™d 

rr-  ''^* ""'  ^''^-^ »"  -ved «;  soiem ,; ' 

the  final  resting-place  of  those   brave  men    whose 


CHAPTER    III. 


HORSE-RACING  AND  ITS   CONSEQUENCES. 

ri  APT.  Helm  had  a  race-course  on  his  plantation, 
\J     on  which  he  trained  young  hoi^es  for  the  fall 
races.     One  verj  fine  horse  he  owned,  called  ifa.^ 
Anthon,,  which  he  trained  in  the  most  careful  manner 
lor  several  months  previous  to  the  ra<jes.    He  would 
put  him  on  the  course  every  morning,  sometimes 
covering  him  with  a  blanket,  and  then  put  him  to  his 
utmost  speed,  which  he  called  "  sweating  him."    Mark 
Authon V  was  to  be  put  on  the  race-course  in  October 
lollowing,  as  a  competitor  for  the  purse  of  ten  thou- 
sand  dollars,  which  was  the  amount  to  be  lost  or  gain- 
ed  on  the  first  day  of  the  fall  races.     Capt.  H  had 
also  another  young  horse,  called  Buffer,  under  a  course 
of  traimng,  which  he  designed  to  enter  the  lists  for  the 
second  day.     His  course  of  training  had  been  about 
the  same  as  Mark  Anthony's,  but  being  a  year  or  two 
younger,  it  was  thought  that  he  had  not  sufficient 
"bottom"  to  risk  so  much  money  on,  as  was  at  stake 
on  the  first  day. 


ENCES. 


is  plantation, 
s  for  the  fall 
called  Mark 
ireful  manner 
I.  He  would 
sometimes 


3> 


ut  him  to  hi3 
lim."    Mark 
ie  in  October 
of  ten  thou- 
lost  or  gain- 
'apt.  H.  had 
der  a  course 
'  lists  for  the 
been  about 
year  or  two 
)t  sufficient 
s^as  at  stake 


\(i 


M' 


eye 


i.*a;5x";r/ourr.:sr:r/ixi^tL-s*^ 


p.  41. 


THE   FIKST  HEAT. 


41 


y  spectator's 
p.  41. 


When  the  time  for  the  races  to  commence  came,  all 
was  bustle  and  excitement  in  the  house  and  on  the 
plantation.     It  was  a  fine  October  morning,  and  the 
sun  shed  a  mellow  radiance  on  all  around,  when  people 
began  to  throng  the  race-course.      Some  came  with 
magnificent  equipages,   attended  by  their  numerous 
train  of  black  servants,  dressed  in  livery,-some  in 
less  splendid  arraj,-and  others  on  foot,  all  hurrying 
on  to  the  exciting  scene.     There  the  noblest  blood  of 
Old  Virginia,  of  which  many  are  wont  to  boast,  was 
fully  represented,  as  was  also  the  wealth  and  fashion 
of  the  country  for  many  miles  around. 

AU  were  in  high  spirits,  and  none  seemed  to  fear 
that  they  would  be  the  losers  in  the  amount  of  money 
about  to  change  hands.    'And  for  what,  pray,  is  all 
this  grand  outlay-this  vast  expenditure  ?     Merely  the 
pleasure  and  gratification  of  witnessing  the  speed  of  a 
fine  horse,  and  the  vanity  of  prejudging  concerning  it. 
The  arrangements  were  at  length  completed,— the 
horses  regularly  entered,  Mark  Anthony  among  the 
rest,-and  then  the  word  "  go  I"  was  given,  when  each 
horse  sprang  as  if  for  his  life,  each  striving  to  take  the 
lead.    Away  they  go,  sweeping  round  the  course  with 
lightning  speed,  while  every  spectator's  eye  is  strained 
and  every  countenance  flushed  with  intense  anxiety! 
Some  of  the  noble  animals  were  distanced  the  first 
heat,  and  others  were  taken  away  by  their  owners. 
The  judges  allowed  twentv  minutes  to  nrpno.o  tl- 


11 


44 


AT  THE   GREAT  HOUSE. 


-night  to  stab  liim  in  both  sides.  The  knife  of  the  as- 
sassin  had  been  thrust  into  his  thigh,  tearing  the  flesh 
upward,  leaving  a  frightful  and  dangerous  wound; 
but  what  is  most  singular,  both  sides  were  wounded  in 
nearly  the  same  manner,  and  at  the  same  time,  for  so 
quickly  was  the  deed  committed  that  the  offenders 
made  their  escape,  before  an  alarm  could  be  raised  for 
their  detection ;  nor  have  I  ever  heard  of  any  one 
being  arrested  for  the  crime. 

Ford's  groans  and  cries  were  painful  to  hear,  but  his 
brother  acted  like  a  madman;    rushing  hither  and 
thither,  with  a  heavy  bludgeon  in  his  hand,  with 
which  he  indiscriminately  beat  the  fences  and  what- 
ever came  in  his  way,  crying  "  Oh  my  brother,  my 
poor  brother !    Who  has  murdered  my  poor  brother  ?" 
Physicians  came  to  the  aid  of  the  wounded  man  who 
at  first  thought  he  might  recover,  but  in  a  climate  like 
that  of  Virginia  it  was  impossible.    His  friends  did  all 
they  could  to  save  him,  but  the  poor  wretch  lingered 
a  few  days  and  died.    Thus  ended  the  life  of  a  bad 
man  and  a  hard  master. 

And  who  will  wonder,  if  his  slaves  rejoiced  to  hear 
of  his  death  ?  If  they  must  be  sold  to  pay  his  debts, 
they  could  not  fall  into  the  hands  of  a  more  heart- 
less tyrant.  Who  then  can  blpme  those  feeble  women 
and  helpless  children,  long  heia  as  chattels  in  his  iron 
grasp,  if  they  are  grateful  that  the  man-steeler  is  no 
more? 


k 


)f  the  as- 
the  flesh 
wound ; 
unded  in 
16,  for  so 
Dffenders 
aised  for 
any  one 

',  but  his 
her  and 
id,  with 
id  what- 
her,  my 
•other?" 
lan  who 
ate  like 
3  did  all 
ingered 
f  a  bad 

to  hear 
3  debts, 
!  heart- 
women 
lis  iron 
r  IB  no 


DRUNKENNESS  AND  MUBDER  AT  THE  SALE.      45 

^  This  Ford  was  a  fair  specimen  of  that  class,  known 
m  more  modem  parlance  as  a  "Border  Ruffian."  Such 
as  are  at  this  time  endeavoring,  by  their  swaggering 
and  buUying,  to  cast  on  the  fair  fields  of  Kansas  the 
deep  curse  of  Slavery-a  curse  which,  like  the  poison 
of  the  deadly  Upas,  blights  all  within  its  influence- 
the  colored  and  the  white  man,  the  slave  and  the 
master.  We  were  thankful,  however,  that  no  more 
hves  were  lost  during  the  vendue,  which  was  com- 
menced  with  the  stock;  this  occupied  two  days. 

The  reader  will  see  that  we  had  cause  to  be  grateful, 
when  he  takes  into  consideration  that  drinking  and 
fightmg  was  the  order  of  the  day,  and  drunkenness 
and  carousing  the  order  of  the  night. 

Then  too,  the  practice  of  dueling  was  carried  on  in 
all  Its  hideous  barbarity.  If  a  gentleman  thought  him- 
self msulted,  he  would  immediately  challenge  the 
oflPender  to  mortal  combat,  and  if  he  refused  to  do  so 
then  the  insulted  gentleman  felt  bound  by  that  bar- 
barous code  of  honor,  to  take  his  life,  whene^rer  or 
wherever  he  might  meet  him,  though  it  might  be 
m  a  crowded  assembly,  where  the  lives  of  innocent 
persons  were  endangered. 

A  case  of  this  kind  happened  in  Kentucky,  where 
the  belligerent  parties  met  in  a  large  concourse  of 
people,  the  majority  of  them  women  and  children - 
but  the  combat  ensued,  regardless  of  consequences! 

Uue  woman  was  shot  thmna-T.   +u<>  iv-_    i.. .    .,    . 

Q^   „„„  luce,    uuc  thai 


40 


AT  THE  GREAT  HOUSE. 


was  not  worthy  of  notice,  for  *o  was  only  a  cohred 
^•oan;  and  in  that,  as  in  other  slave  States,  the 

laws  g,ve  to  the  white  population  the  libertytotrampk 
.  under  foot  the  claims  -of  all  such  persons  to  iustice. 
Justly  indignant  ladies  present  remonstroted,  but  all  to 
no  purpose.  The  Governor  of  the  State  was  there 
and  was  m  danger  of  being  wounded  by  their  flying 
bullete,  and  it  is  possible  that  if  he  had  been  in  the 
place  of  the  poor  African,  some  action  would  have 
been  token  and  laws  made  to  protect  the  people 
agamat  such  mhuman  practices.  But  I  must  return  to 
i^apt.  Helm  and  the  vendue. 

The  sale  continued  for  several  days,  during  which 
there  was  no  such  thing  as  rest  or  sleep  or  one  quiet 
moment  on  fte  premises.  As  was  customaiy  in  that 
State,  Capt  Helm  provided  the  food  and  drink  for  all 
who  came,  and  of  course  a  great  many  came  to  drink 

took  the  mght  time  for  their  hideous  outbreaks,  when 
the  more  respectable  class  had  retired  to  their  beds  or 
to  their  homes.  And  many  foul  deeds  and  cruel  ou^ 
rages  were  committed,  nor  could  the  perpetrators  be 
detected  or  brought  to  justice.  Notl,  g  could  be  done 
but  to  submit  quietly  to  their  depredauons. 

One  peaceable  old  slave  was  killed  by  having  his 
head  spht  open  with  an  ax.  He  was  found  in  the 
morning  lying  in  the  yard,  with  the  bloody  instrument 
of  death  by  his  side.     This  ocoaisoned  some  excite- 


THE  SLAVES  DREAD  A  REMOVAL. 


47 


'■  a  colored 
States,  the 
to  trample 
;o  justice, 
but  all  to 
iv^as  there 
3ir  flying 
en  in  the 
uld  have 
e  people 
return  to 

ig  which 
ne  quiet 
''  in  that 
k  for  all 
to  drink 
enerally 
s,  when 
beds  or 
uel  out- 
itors  be 
be  done 

ing  his 

in  the 

niment 

excite- 


ment among  the  slaves,  but  as  the  white  people  paid 
but  little  attention  to  it,  it  soon  passed  off,  and  tlie  sor- 
rowful slaves  put  the  old  man's  remains  in  a  rough 
box,  and  conveyed  them  to  their  last  resting-place. 

After  the  sale  was  over,  the  slaves  were  allowed  a 
holiday,  with  permission  to  go  and  visit  their  friends 
and  relatives  previous  to  their  departure  for  their  now 
home  in  a  strange  land. 

The  slaves  generally  on  Capt.  Helm's  plantation 
looked  upon  this  removal  as  the  greatest  hardship  they 
had  ever  met;  the  severest  trial  they  had  ever  en- 
dured; and  the  separation  from  our  old  home  and  fel- 
low-slaves, from  our  relatives  and  the  old  State  of  Vir- 
ginia, was  to  us  a  contemplation  of  sorrowful  interest. 
Those  who  remained,  thought  us  the  most  unfortunate 
of  human  beings  to  be  taken  away  off  into  the  State 
of  New  York,  and,  as  they  believed,  beyond  the 
bounds  of  civilization,  where  we  should  in  all  proba- 
bihty  be  destroyed  by  wild  beasts,  devoured  by  canni- 
bals, oi-  scalped  by  the  Indians.  We  never  expected 
to  meet  again  in  this  life,  hence  our  parting  interviews 
were  as  solemn  as  though  we  were  committing  our 
fiiends  to  the  grave.  But  He  whose  tender  mercies 
are  over  all  his  creatures,  knew  best  what  was  for  our 
good.  » 

Little  did  Capt.  Helm  think  when  bringing  his  slaves 
to  New  York  that  in  a  few  short  years,  they  would  be 
singing  the  song  of  deUverance  from  Slavery's  thrall- 


48 


HORSE  RAGING  AI^D  ITS  CONSEQUENCES. 


dom ;  and  as  little  thought  he  of  the  great  and  painful 
change,  to  be  brought  about  in  his  own  circumstances. 
Could  any  one  have  looked  into  fUturitj  and  traced  the 
difficult  path,  my  master  was  to  tread,— could  any  one 
have  foreseen  the  end  to  which  he  must  soon  come, 
and  related  it  to  him  in  the  days  of  his  greatness  and 
prosperity,  he  would,  I  am  certain,  have  turned  from 
such  a  narrator  of  misfortune  in  a  greater  rage  than 
did  Namaan  when  the  man  of  God  told  him  "to  go 
and  dip  seven  times  in  the  Jordan." 

He  could  not  have  believed,  nor  could  I,  that  in  a 
few  years  the  powerful,  wealthy  slaveholder,  living  in 
luxury  and  extravagance,  would  be  so  reduced  that 
the  necessaries  of  life  even,  were  beyond  his  means,  and 
that  he  must  be  supported  by  the  town  I 

But  I  anticipate.  Let  us  return  to  the  old  planta- 
tion  which  seems  dearer  than  ever,  now  that  we  are 
about  to  leave  it  forever. 

We  thought  Capt.  Helm's  prospects  pretty  fair,  and 
yet  we  shuddered  when  we  realized  our  condition  as 
slaves.  This  change  in  our  circumstances  was  calcu- 
lated to  awaken  all  oui  fears  that  had  been  slumber- 
ing,  and  bring  all  the  perilous  changes  to  which  we 
might  be  subjected  most  vividly  to  mind. 

We  were  about  to  leave  the  land  of  our  birth,  the 
home  of  our  childhood,  and  we  felt  that  untried  scenes 
were  before  us.  We  were  slaves,  it  is  true,,  but  we 
had  heart-felt  emotions  to  suppress,  when  we  thought 


JES, 

nd  painful 
imstances. 
traced  the 
d  any  one 
)on  come, 
irtness  and 
rned  from 
rage  than 
n  "to  go 

that  in  a 

living  in 

iced  that 

cans,  and 

d  planta- 
it  we  are 

fair,  and 
dition  as 
as  calcu- 
slumber- 
rhich  we 

irth,  the 

d  scenes 

but  we 

thought 


MELANUJIOLY   KKFLEOTIONS.  49 

Of  leaving  all  that  was  so  familar  to  us,  and  choso 
rather  to  ''bear  the  ills  we  had,  than  to  fly  to  those 
we  knew  not  of."    And  oh,  the  terrible  uncertainty  of 
the  future,  that  ever  rests  on  the  slave,  even  the  most 
favored,  was  now  felt  with  a  crushing  weight.    To-day 
they  are  in  the  old  familiar  cabin  surrounded  by  thd^ 
family,  relatives  and  friends;  to-morrow,  they  may  be 
scattered,  parted  forever.     The  master's  circumstances 
not  their  own,  may  have  assigned  one  to  the  dreadful 
slave-pen,  and  another  to  the  distant  rice-swamp;  and 
It  IS  this  continual  dread  of  some  perilous  future  that 
holds  m  check  every  joyous  emotion,  every  lofty  aspi- 
ratioL,  of  the  most  flxvorcd  slave  at  the  South.    They 
know  that  their  owners  indulge  in  high  living,  and 
they  are  well  aware  also  that  their  continual  indul- 
gences engender  disease,  which  make  them  very  liable 
to  sudden  death;  or  their  master  may  be  killed  in  a 
duel,  or  at  a  horse-race,  or  in  a  drunken  brawl;  then 
his  creditors  are  active  in  looking  after  the  estate;  and 
next,  the  blow  of  the  auctioneer's  hammer  separates 
them  perhaps  for  life. 

Now,  after  the  lapse  of  so  many  years,  when  my 
thought  wander  baek,  as  they  often  do,  to  my  native 
btate,  I  confess  that  painful  recollections  drive  from 
my  mmd  those  joyful  emotions  that  should  ever  arise 
.n  the  heart  of  man,  when  contemplating  the  familiar 
scenes  of  h,s  youth,  and  especially  when  recurring  to 
the  venerable  shades  and  the  sheltering  roof  under 


50 


HOKSE-KACING  AND  IT3  CONSKQUEN'CES 


which  he  was  born.  True,  around  the  well-remem- 
bered  spot  where  our  childhood's  years  were  spent, 
recollection  still  loves  to  linger;  yet  memoiy,  ever 
ready  with  its  garnered  store,  paints  in  glowing  colors, 
Virginia's  crouching  slaves  in  the  foreground.  Her 
loathsome  slave-pens  and  slave  markets  —  chains, 
whips  and  instruments  of  torture;  and  back  of  all 
this  is  as  trrthfully  recorded  the  certain  doom,  the  re- 
tributive justice,  that  will  sooner  it  later  overtake  her; 
and  with  a  despairing  sigh  I  turn  away  from  the  im' 
aginary  view  of  my  native  State. 

What  though  she  may  have  been  justly  styled, 
"  The  Mother  of  Presidents  ?"    What  avails  the  honor 
of  being  the  birth-place  of  the  brave  and  excellent 
Washington,  whUe  the  prayers  and  groans  of  the 
down-trodden  African  daily  ascend  to  heaven  for  re- 
dress?    What  though  her  soil  be  fertile,  yielding  a 
yearly  product  of  wealth  to.  its  possessors?    And 
what  matter  is  it,  that  their  lordly  mansions  are  em- 
bowered in  the  shade  of  trees  of  a  century's  growth, 
if,  through  their  lofty  and  tangled  branches,  we  espy 
the  rough  cabin  of  the  mangled  bondman,  and  know 
that  the  soil  on  which  he  labors  has  drunk  his  heart's 
blood? 

Ah  I  to  me,  life's  sweetest  memories  are  all  embit- 
tered. Slavery  had  cast  its  dark  and  fearful  shadow 
over  my  childhood,  youth,  and  early  manhood,  and  I 
ouL  XXW.XX  t.xt;  iuxiu  ul  my  Dirth,  a  ietlered  slave. 


ES 


EXTRAVAG.VNCE  OF  CAPT.   HELM. 


61 


ill-remem- 
3re  spent, 
ory,  ever 
ng  colors, 
nd.  Her 
—  chains, 
ck  of  all 
m,  the  re- 
take her; 
a.  the  im- 

y  styled, 
he  honor 
excellent 
8  of  the 
ti  for  re- 
ielding  a 
i?    And 
are  em- 
growth, 
we  espy 
id  know 
s  heart's 

I  embit- 
shadow 
d,  and  I 
id  slave. 


1 


A  land  which  I  can  regard  only  as  "the  house  of 
bondage  and  the  grave  of  freedom."  But  God  forgive 
me  for  having  envied  my  master  his  fair  prospects  at 
this  time. 

After  the  sale  of  the  plantation,  Capt.  Helm  was  in 
possession  of  quite  a  large  sum  of  money,  and  having 
never  paid  much  attention  to  his  pecuniary  interests, 
he  acted  as  if  there  could  be  no  end  of  it.    He  realized 
about  forty  thousand  dollars  from  the  sale  of  his  estate 
in  Virginia,  which  would  have  been  a  pretty  sum  in 
the  hands  of  a  man  who  had  been  accustomed  to  look 
after  his  own  interests ;  but  under  the  management  of 
one  who  had  all  his  life  lived  and  jirohpered  on  the 
unrequited  toil  of  slaves,  it  was  of  little  account.     He 
bought  largely  of  every  thing  he  thought  necessary 
for  himself  or  the  comfort  ot'  his  family,  for  which  he 
always  paid  the  most  extr;  v  agant  prices.   The  Captain 
was  not  as  well  qualified  to  take  care  of  himself  and 
family  aa  some  of  his  slaves  were ;   but  he  thought 
differently,  and  so  the  preparations  for  leaving  the  old 
plantation  for  a  home  in  the  wilds  of  New  York, 
went  on  under  his  direction,  and  at  last  we  bade  a 
final  adieu  to  our  friends  and  all  we  held  dear  in  the 
State  of  Virginia. 


CHAPTER    IV. 


JOURNEY  TO  OUR  NEW  HOME  IN  NEW  YORK. 

ALL  things  having  been  prepared  for  our  depart- 
ure, our  last  "Good-bye"  spoken,  and  our  last 
look  taken  of  the  old  plantation,  we  started,  amid  the 
sobs  and  prolonged  cries  of  separating  families,  in 
company  with  our  master,  the  overseer  and  another 
white  man  named  Davis,  who  went  with  us  to  take 
back  the  five-horse  "  Pennsylvania  team,"  which  was 
provided  for  the  conveyance  of  the  food  for  the  slaves, 
and  what  little  baggage  they  might  have,  and  also 
that  of  the  overseer. 

Capt.  Helm  had  determined  to  leave  his  family  until 
he  could  get  his  slaves  settled  in  their  future  quarters, 
and  a  home  provided  for  himself,  when  they  were 
expected  to  join  him. 

We  traveled  northward,  through  Maryland,  Penn- 
sylvania, and  a  portion  of  New  York,  to  Sodus  Bay, 
where  we  halted  for  some  time.     We  made  about 


FAREWELL  TO  OLD  VIIiGINIA. 


53 


r 


ORK. 

'  depart- 
our  last 
imid  the 
lilies,  in 
another 
to  take 
lich  was 
e  slaves, 
md  also 

ily  until 
[uarters, 
)y  were 

I,  Penn- 
iis  Bay, 
3  about 


twenty  miles  per  day,  camping  out  every  night,  and 
reached  that  place  after  a  march  of  twenty  days. 
Every  morning  the  overseer  called  the  roll,  when 
every  slave  must  answer  to  his  or  her  name,  felling  to 
the  ground  with  his  cowhide,  any  delinquent  who 
failed  to  speak  out  in  quick  time.  After  the  roll  had 
been  called,  and  our  scanty  breakfast  eaten,  we 
marched  on  again,  our  company  presenting  the  ap- 
pearance of  some  numerous  caravan  crossing  the  desert 
of  Sahara.  When  we  pitched  our  tents  for  the  night, 
the  slaves  must  immediately  set  about  cooking  not 
their  supper  only,  but  their  breakfast,  so  as  to  be 
ready  to  start  early  the  next  morning,  when  the  tents 
were  struck;  and  we  proceeded  on  our  journey  in  this 
way  to  the  end. 

At  Sodus  Bay  there  was  then  one  small  tavern, 
kept  by  a  man  named  Sill. 

The  bay  is  ten  miles  in  length  and  from  a  hulf  to 
two  miles  in  breadth,  and  makes  an  excellent  harbor. 
The  surrounding  country  then  was  almost  an  unbroken 
wilderness. 

After  Capt.  Helm  had  rested  a  few  days  at  Sodus, 
he  went  six  miles  up  the  bay  and  purchased  a  large 
tract  of  land  lying  on  both  sides  of  that  beautiful 
sheet  of  water,  and  put  his  slaves  on  to  clear  and  cul- 
tivate it.  Then  came  the  "tug  of  war."  Neither  the 
overseer  nor  the  slaves  had  the  least  knowledge  of 
dear-ing  land,  and  that  was  the  jSrst  thing  to  be  done. 


54 


JODRMEir  TO  OUP  NEW  HOME. 


It  was  useless  to  consult  the  Captain,  for  he  knew  still 
less  about  matters  of  that  kind.     To  obviate  this 
difficulty,  our  master  bought  out  a  Mr.  Cummings, 
who  had  some  cleared  land  on  the  west  side  of  the 
bay.      On  this  he  put  the  overseer  and  a  part  of  the 
slaves,  and  then  hired  a  Mr.  Herringtonto  take  charge 
of  the  remainder.    Herrington  ana  his  gang  of  slaves 
was  sent  to  the  east  side  to  chop  down  the  heavy 
timber  and  clear  the  land  for  cultivation,  all  of  which 
had  first  to  be  learned,  for  we  knew  nothing  of  felling 
trees,  and  the  poor  slaves  had  rather  a  hard  time  of  it. 
Provisions  were  scarce  and  could  not  be  procured 
for  cash  in  that  section.    There  was  no  com  to  be  had, 
and  we  had  but  little  left.    We  had  no  neighbors  to 
assist  us  in  this  trying  time,  and  we  came  near  starva- 
tion.    True,  the  wild,  romantic  region  in  wliich  we 
were  located  abounded  in  game,— elk,  deer,  bear, 
panther,  and  woh  es,  roamed  abroad  through  the  dense 
forest,  in  great  abundance,  but  the  business  of  the 
slaves  was  not  hunting  or  fishing,  but  clearing  the 
laud,  preparatory  to  raising  crops  of  grain  the  coming 
season. 

At  last  Capt.  Helm  chartered  a  boat,  and  manned 
it  to  go  to  the  mouth  of  the  Genesee  River  to  buy 
corn.  They  embarked  under  favorable  auspices,  but 
soon  there  came  on  such  a  tremendous  storm,  that 
the  boat  could  no  longer  be  managed,  and  the  crew  in 
despair  threw  themselves  on  the  bottom  of  the  boat  to 


!      S 


cnew  still 
nate  this 
immings, 
ie  of  the 
rt  of  the 
:6  charge 
of  slaves 
le  heavy 
)f  which 
►f  felling 
me  of  it. 
procured 
•  be  had, 
bbors  to 
r  starva- 
liich  we 
r,  bear, 
le  dense 
;  of  the 
•ing  the 
coming 


STARVATION  THREATENED. 


55 


await  their  inevitable  destruction,  when  one  of  their 
number,  a  colored  man  named  Dunbar,  sprang  to  the 
helm,  and  with  great  difficulty  succeeded  in  running  her 
safely  into  a  Canadian  port,  whei3  they  were  obliged  to 
part  with  every  thing  in  their  possession  to  obtain  the 
means  to  return  to  their  families  in  Sodus,  who  had 
given  tl.em  up  as  lost.    But,  to  the  great  joy  of  all, 
they  caine  back  at  last  ^nth  their  lives,  but  with 
nothing  for    the  fam  ,;     g  slaves.     Before  another 
boat  could  be  sent  f      ,  -r  relief,  we  were  reduced  to 
the  last  extremity.    We  became  so  weak  we  could  not 
Work,  audit  was  difficult  to  drag  ourselves  about,  as  we 
were  now  obliged  to  do,  to  gather  up  all  the  old  bones 
we  could  find,  break  them  up  fine  and  then  boil  them; 
which  made  a  sort  of  broth  sufficient  barely  to  sustain 
life.     This  we  drank,  and  merely  existed,  until  at  last, 
the  long  looked  for  boat  returned,  loaded  with  por- 
vision,  which  saved  us  from  starvation  and  gave  us 
strength  to  pursue  our  labor. 


manned 
to  buy 
3es,  but 
oa,  that 
Jrew  in 
boat  to 


CHAPTEE    V. 


INCIDENTS  AT  SODUS  BAY. 

A  BOUT  this  time  two  slaves  who  were  laboring 
-O.    in  the  forest,   instead   of  returning  to  theii 
cabin  as  was  expected,  got  lost,  and  wandered  eight 
days  m  the  dense  forest  without  provision,  except 
what  they  could  procure  from  roote  and  the  bark  of 
trees.     Great  exertion  was  made  to  find  them;  guns 
were  fired,  horns  blown,  and  shouts  raised,  but  all  to 
no  purpose.     Finally,  we  gave  them  up,  supposing 
they  had  starved  to  death  or  had  been  killed  by  wild 
beaste.     One  of  them  was  an  elderly  man,  named 
Jienjamm  Bristol,  and  the  other,  Edmund  Watkins  a 
Jad  of  about  eighteen  years  of  age.     They  wandered' 
in  an  easterly  direction,  a  distance  of  some  sixty  or 
seventy  miles,  through  an  unbroken  wilderness,  vainly 
trymg  to  find  their  way  home.    On  the  eighth  day  to 
their  inexpressible  joy,  they  came  out  on  the  shore  of 
Lake  Ontario,  near  Oswego;  but  young  Watkin«  waa 


TWO  MEN  LOST— BEAR  KILLED. 


57 


SO  completely  exhausted  that  he  declared  himself 
incapable  of  further  exertion,  and  begged  to  be  left  to 
his  fate.  Bristol,  however,  who  chewed  tobacco, 
which  it  was  supposed  kept  him  from  sinking  so  low 
as  liis  companion,  took  him  on  his  back,  and  carried 
him  home,  which  thej  reached  in  a  fiimished  state  and 
reduced  to  skeletons.  All  were  thankful  for  the  pre- 
servation of  their  lives,  and,  with  the  best  we  could 
do  for  them,  they  soon  recruited  and  became  strong 
as  ever. 

One  day,  two  others  and  myself  thought  we  saw 
some  animal  swimming  across  the  bay.  We  got  a 
boat  and  went  out  to  see  what  it  was.  After  rowing 
for  some  time  we  came  near  enough  to  perceive  it  was 
a  large  bear.  Those  who  watcheii  us  from  the  shore 
expected  to  see  our  boat  upset,  and  all  on  board 
drowned,  but  it  was  not  so  to  be;  the  bear  was  struck 
on  the  nose  with  a  blow  that  killed  him  instantly,  and 
he  was  hauled  ashore  in  great  triumph. 

While  these  things  were  transpiring  on  the  east  side 
of  the  bay,  the  overseer  on  the  west  side  determined 
to  punish  one  of  the  slaves  who  worked  on  the  east 
side.  The  name  of  the  slave  was  Williams ;  a  strong, 
athletic  man,  and  generally  a  good  workman,  but  he 
had  unfortunately  offended  the  overseer,  for  which 
nothing  could  appease  his  wrath  but  the  privilege  of 
flogging  him.  The  slave,  however,  thought  as  he  was 
no  xongor  m  ?  irgmia.  he  would  not  submit  to  such 

C* 


',§-•> 


68 


INCIDENTS  AT  SOD  US. 


Chastisement,  and  the  overseer  was  obliged  to  content 
himself  with  threatening  what  he  would  do  if  he 
caught  him  on  the  west  side  of  the  bay. 

A  short  time  after,  the  overseer  called  at  the  cabin 
of  one  of  the  slaves,  and  was  not  a  little  surprised  to 
find  there  the  refractory  slave,  Williams,  in  companv 
with  three  other  men.     He  immediately  walked  up  to 
him  and  asked  him  some  question,  to  which  WiUiams 
made  no  reply.    Attended,  as  he  always  was,  by  his 
ferocious  bull-dog,  he  flourished  his  cowhide  in  great 
wrath  and  demanded  an  instant  reply,  but  he  receiv- 
ea  none,  whereupon  he  struck  the  slave  a  blow  with 
the  cowhide      Instantly  Williams  sprang  and  caught 
him  by  the  throat  and  held  him  writhing  in  his  vise- 
ike  grasp  until  he  succeeded  in  getting  possession  of 
the  cowhide,  with  which  he  gave  the  overseer  such  a 
flogging  aa  slaves  seldom  get.    Williams  was  seized  at 
once  by  the  dog  who  endeavored  to  defend  his  brutal 
master,  but  the  other  slaves  came  to  the  rescue,  and 
threw  the  dog  into  a  huge  fire  which  was  near  by 
from  which,  after  a  singeing,  he  ran  off,  howling  worse 
than  his  master  when  in  the  hands  of  Williams      He 
foamed  and  swore  and  still  the  blows  descended:  then 
he  commanded  the  slaves  to  assist  him,  but  aa  none 
obeyed,  he  commenced  begging  in  the  most  humble 
manner,  and  at  last  entreated  them  a.  "gentlemen"  to 
spare  him;  but  all  to  no  purpose.     When  Williams 
thouglit  lie  liad  thrashed  him  suffioiontl..  h.  i.t  i,,--- 


.  to  content 
I  do  if  he 


t  the  cabin 
irprised  to 
I.  company 
Iked  up  to 
.  "Williams 
^as,  hy  his 
5  in  great 
lie  receiv- 
)low  with 
id  caught 
■  tis  vise- 
ession  of 
iT  such  a 
seized  at 
is  brutal 
cue,  and 
lear  by, 
ig  worse 
IS.     He 
id;  then 
as  none 
bumble 
nen"  to 
''illiams 

U+   I,'— 
ten  iilxii 


llkP^."rl"n'!.'L!Ii"i''""'"""?^.?''  "*"''*'*  '>'"'  *"'  ''"^  "'^'""  """^ ''«'''  '''"•  ^rithinK  In  hU  vIseJ 
like  grasp,  until  he  succeeded  in  getting  possession  of  tlie  cow-bide,  v-ith  wljicli  iie  gave  tlieil 
OTCrseer  sucli  a  flogging  as  slaves  seldom  get,"  ^         ' ' 


THE  OVERSEER  RETURNS  TO  VIRGINIA. 


^V' 


go  and  hurried  to  his  boat  and  rowed  down  tho  bay, 
instead  of  crossing  it.  The  overseer  no  sooner  found 
himself  at  liberty  than  he  ran  out,  calling  to  a  servant 
girl-  to  bring  his  rifle,  which  was  loaded.  The  rifle 
was  brought,  but  before  he  could  get  to  tho  bay, 
Williams  had  gone  beyond  his  reach;  but  unfortu- 
nately another  boat  was  at  this  moment  crossing  tho 
bay,  which  he,  mad  with  rage,  fired  into.  Tho  men  in 
the  boat  immediately  cried  out  to  him  not  to  repeat 
the  shot,  but  he  was  so  angry  that  he  swore  ho  would 
shoot  somebody,  and  sent  another  bullet  after  them. 
No  one  was  hurt,  however,  but  the  brave  overseer 
was  vanquished.  Crest-fallen  and  unrevenged,  he 
shortly  after  called  on  Capt.  Helm  for  a  settlement, 
which  was  granted,  and  bidding  a  final  adieu  to  the 
"  Grenesee  Country,"  he  departed  for  Virginia,  where 
he  could  beat  slaves  without  himself  receiving  a  cow- 
hiding.  No  one  regretted  his  absence,  nor  do  I  think 
any  but  the  most  heartless  would  cordially  welcome 
his  return  to  the  land  of  Slavery. 


CHAPTEE    VI. 


REMOVAL  FROM  SODUS  TO  BATH. 

CAPT.  Helm  went  to  Virginia  for  his  family,  and 
returning  with  them,  co.ncluded  to  locate  his 
future    residence    in  the  vUlage   of  Bath,   Steuben 
County.    He  purchased  a  large  tract  of  land  near  the 
village,  a  large  grist  mill,  and  two  saw  mUls;  also, 
two   farms;   one  called  the  "Maringo,"  east  of  the 
village;  and  the  other,  called  "Epsam,"  north  of  it; 
and  a  fine  house  and  lot  in  the  village.    He  also  kept 
a  distillery,  which  in  those  days  was  well  patronized 
for  nearly  every  body  drank  whisky;  and  with  Capt! 
Helm  it  was  a  favorite  beverage. 

The  slaves  were  removed  to  Bath,  where  our  master 
was  well  suited,  and  was  everywhere  noted  for  his 
hospitality.  He  had  a  great  deal  of  land  to  cultivate, 
and  carried  on  a  multiplicity  of  business. 

Soon  after  we  were  settled  at  Bath,  Capt.  Helm's 
eldest  daufichter.  Jennv.  Mraa  moT^*^  ♦^  -nr-    t^ 


f 


II 


WEDDING  OP  MISS  JENNY  HELM. 


61 


Fitzhugh,  her  cousin,  who  had  come  from  Virginia  to 
claim  his  bride. 

The  wedding  was  a  splendid  affair.  No  pains  were 
spared  to  make  it  more  imposing  than  any  thing  that 
had  ever  happened  in  that  country.  Never  before  had 
the  quiet  village  of  Bath  seen  such  splendor.  All 
that  wealth,  power  and  ambition  could  do,  was  done 
to  make  the  event  one  of  great  brilliancy.  Europe 
contributed  her  full  proportion;  Turkey,  the  Tndias, 
East  and  West,  were  heavily  taxed  to  produce  their  * 
finest  fabrics  to  adorn  the  bride  and  bridal  guests;  and 
contribute  delicacies  to  add  elegance  to  the  festal  scene. 
Two  days  previous  to  the  wedding,  the  invited  guests 
began  to  arrive  with  their  retinue  of  servants,  and  on 
the  evening  of  the  marriage  the  large  mansion  was 
thrown  open,  and  there  was  the  most  magnificent 
assemblage  I  ever  beheld.  In  the  drawing-room, 
where  the  ceremony  took  place,  every  thing  was 
surpassingly  elegant.  Cos%  chandeliers  shed  their 
hght  on  the  rich  tapestry,  and  beautiful  dresses  glitter- 
ing with  diamonds,  and  the  large  mirrors  everywhere 
reflecting  the  gay  concourse.  While  the  servants 
were  preparing  supper  it  was  announced  that  the  hour 
had  arrived  for  the  ceremony  to  commence.  The 
bridal  pair  took  their  place  in  the  center  of  the  apart- 
ment. Pearls,  diamonds,  and  jewelry  glittered  on  the 
bride  with  such  luster,  that  it  waa  ahnost  pamful  to 


62 


BEMOVAL  FROM  SODUS  TO  BATH. 


gues^  and  those  he  wa.  about  to  unite  in  the  holy 

^n^  of  wedloek,  proceeded  in  a  very  «o,e.„  and 
>mpres..ve  manner  with  the  marriage  service.  The 
ceremony  concluded,  and  good  wishes  having  been 

God  took  h.  leave,  two  hundred  dollars  richer  than 
when  he  came.  The  company  were  all  vezy  happy 
or  appeared  so;  mirth  reigned  supreme,  and  ev^ 
countenance  wore  a  smile.  They  wcr.  seated  at  tables 
kaded  wuh  laxuries  of  every  description,  and  while 
partakmg,  a  band  of  music  enlivened  the  scene. 

AU  husmess  was  suspended  for  several  days,  the 
w^d,ng  party  making  a  tour  of  ten  days  to  ii^gara 
FaUs.  After  a  while,  however,  affairs  assumed  their 
usual  aspect,  and  business  took  its  regular  routine. 

The  grist  mill  belonging  to  the  Captain  was  the 
only  one  for  many  miles  around,  and  was  a  source  of 
great  profit  to  him;  the  saw  mills  also,  were  turning 
out  a  large  quantity  of  lumber,  which  was  in  good 
demand;  and  the  distillery  kept  up  a  st^ming  busi- 
ness^     It  yielded,  however,  a  handsome  income  to 
l^pt  Helm,  who  was  now,  for  the  &m  time  since  I 
toew  hmi,  overseeing  his  affaira  himself  dispensing 
altogether  with  the  service  of  a  regularly  installed 
overseer. 

The  oldest  son  of  our  master  had  been  absent  from 
home  for  sometime,  nor  did  he  return  to  attend  his 


FRANK  HELM  OBTAINS  A  COMMISSION. 


63 


assembled 

the  holy 
lemn  and 
ice.  The 
ring  been 

man  of 
cher  than 
ly  happy, 
nd  every 

at  tables 
md  while 
ne. 
iays,  the 

Niagara 
led  their 
tine, 
was  the 
ource  of 
turning 
in  good 
ng  busi- 
jome  to 
since  I 
pensing 
Qstalled 


sister's  grand  wedding.     He  had  sought  and  obtained 
a  commission  in  the  United  States  service  as  a  Lieu- 
tenant.     This  had  been  his  own  choice;    he  had 
preferred  the  service  and  hardships  of  a  soldier,  to  a 
plantation  well  stocked  with  slaves,  an^^  *he  quietude 
of  domestic  life.     He  had  cheerful  y  givor  up  his 
friends  and  prospects  as  a  planter,  ra  1  ent  red  the 
service  of  his  country.    Frank  Helm,  rne  second  son, 
soon  followed  the  example  of  his  older  brother,  Lina. 
He  obtained  a  like  commission,  but  he  did  not,  like 
his  brother,  get  along  quietly.    His  prospects  as  an 
officer  were  soon  blighted,  and  all  hope  of  being 
serviceable  to  his  country  vanished  forever. 


it  from 
ind  his 


CHAPTER    yii. 


J  DUELING. 

T  INA  Helm  was  an  easy,  good-natured,  clever  fel- 
Jj    low;  but  Us  brother  Frank  was  his  oppos  tell 
2^  ever,  thing;  p.o„d,  fr^«ous  and  u^^ 
As  might  be  expected,  Frank,  soon  after  entering  the 
army   got  mto  an  "affair  of  honor,"  accordin^ott 
duehsts  code  of  laws.    He  was  not,  however     he 
prmoipal  in  the  difficulty     One  of  hL  f     T     7 
brotlin,.  „ffl       1.   ,        ^  "^  friends  and  a 

brother  office,,  had  a  quarrel  with  a  gentleman  whom 

bearer  of  h^feend's  challenge,  and  on  presenting  it 
the  gentleman  refused  to  .i/-«.nt  ,t  ■  ,  ^  ^ 
challens-er  "  „  ,       ^     ^  ^^^""S  *'"'*  *l>e 

Challenger     was  no  gentleman."    Then,  according  to 

th   rules  of  dueling,  no  alternative  was  left  forZk 

but  to  take  h.s  brother  officer's  place,  and  light.     Tul 

te  d,d  and  came  from  the  bloody  field  dis-abL  for  hfe 

In  consequence  of  his  lameness,  he  was  under  the  ne 

ee.3.ty  of  resigning  his  com.   ,on  in  the  aZ^^^X 


I 

e 

s 

i 
t 

d 

0 

h 
a 
h 
t( 

IV 


DUEL  BETWEEN  M'CARTER  AND  MASON.  65 


clever  fe[- 
pposite  in 
ijielding. 
ering  the 
ng  to  the 
5ver,  the 
is  and  a 
n  whom 
was  the 
nting  it, 
;hat  the 
"ding  to 
Frank, 
.     This 
for  life, 
the  ne- 
which 


he  did,  and  came  home  a  cripple,  and  nearly  unfitted 
for  any  kind  of  business  whatever 
.  While  on  the  subject  of  dueling,  permit  me  to 
record  some  of  the  incidents  of  another  "  affair  of 
honor,"  which  occurred  in  the  District  of  Columbia, 
between  Gen.  Mason  and  Mr.  M'Carter,  two  antago- 
nistic politicians. 

M'Carter  offered  his  vote  to  the  inspectors,  and  Ma- 
son challenged  it.    M'Carter  offered  to  swear  it  in, 
when  Mason  said  if  he  did  so  he  would  perjure  him- 
self.    This  blew  what  appeared  to  be  but  a  spark  into 
an  angry  blaze,  and  a  duel  was  momentarily  expected; 
but  their  warlike  propensities  subsided  into  a  news- 
paper combat,  which  was  kept  up  for  several  weeks, 
each  party  supposing  they  had  the  advantage  of  their 
adversary.    In  this  stage  of  the  quarrel,  Gen.  Jackson, 
with  one  of  his  aid-de-camps,  Dr.  Bruno,  visited  Wash- 
ington.   Dr.  Bruno  was  a  friend  of  Gen.  Mason's,  and 
to  him  the  General  submitted  the  correspondence, 
desiring  his  opinion  relative  to  the  advantage  one  had 
obtained  over  the  other.    Dr.  Bruno  decided  against 
his  friend,  which  probably  exasperated  him  still  more, 
and  the  General  expressed  his  determination  to  fight 
his  antagonist.     Dr.  Bruno  wrote  to  M'Carttr  to  come 
to  Washington,  and  he  came  immediately,  and  was  a3 
readily  waited  upon  by  the  Doctor,  who  inquired  if  he 
would  receive  a  communication  from  his  friend,  Gen. 
i,    ,Ti  v^tiitn-i  ivjjiicvt,  lum  jiu    ■  vYoiuu  receive  no 


w 


DUELINO. 


communication  from  Gen.  Mason  exceot  »  .1,  i, ' 

knew  how  to  use  one "     tj        •.  -^ 

o  use  one.       Then  it  was  left  to  M'Carter 
to  c] .  jose  the  mode  of  warfare     TTp  ..  ^ 

and  ten  paces  distance     -1  ^'"^"''^  ^"'"'^^ 

l^^t-es  distance.     ^  his  was  agreed  upon   an  rJ 

anally  a.e  morning  arrived  for  the  conflict,  andlX 

began  to  assemble  in  great  num)„r,  ,       7      ^ 

murdero.as  seene.  "  *"  ^'"'^^^  "^ 

The  belligerent    parties    unflinchingly  toot  the'r 

,^r  ^"'  '""^  '^'^  '"^-^  »->^^'  af  L  stuiSr 

"nd  ga.mg  .n  each  other's  face,  with  feelings  oftle 
-ost    Uter  hatred,  while  their  eyes  flashed  veng  L^' 
Oh    what  a  state  of  mind  was  this  in  wMch  to 
7*  '—le  death?    How  could  intelHglt  men 
o    gentlemen,  if  you  please  so  to  term  tL   Wk 
P^^adly  on  such  a  horrid  scene  ?    Was  there  no  heTrt 

aesigns  of  these  madmen?     Alas    nnf    rpr,      , 

Bolder's  "code  of  honor"  m^m^wlet:! 

though  .t  outrage  the  laws  of  God  and  his  connt?^ 

Dr.  Bruno  aaks,  "  Gentlemen,  are  you  ready  ?"  and 

the  duel^ts  t.J.e  their  deadly  aim  at  each  other      S 

«'«nal  to  fire  is  given,  and  both  weapons  are  disch^^ 


GENERAL  MASON  KILLED. 


67 


t  a  challenge 
re  sent,   and 
ke  the  neces- 
>roposed  the 
en  paces;  to 
"the  Gene- 
le  he  hardly 
to  M'Carter 
sed  muskets 
upon,  and 
and  people 
witness  this 

took  their 
?  shoulder, 
ings  of  the 
vengeance, 
which  to 
gent  men, 
tiem,  look 
3  no  heart 
aurderous 
te  slave- 
>wledged, 
untrj. 

J?"  and 
*r.  The 
'charged, 


■:« 


and  when  the  smoke  had  cleared  away,  what  a  spec- 
tacle was  there  presented  to  the  duellist  and  spectator? 
Gen.  Mason,  a  husband,  a  father,  a  statesman,  and  a 
kind  friend,  lies  bleeding,  and  gasping  for  breath. 
He  is  no  morel    Who  will  bear  to  his  lo*mg  and 
unsuspecting  wife,  the  sad  intelligence  of  her  sudden 
bereavement?    Who  will  convey  his  lifeless  body  to 
his  late  residence,  and  throw  grief  and  consternation 
into  the  bosom  of  his  family,  and  drape  in  sadness  his 
whole  householci  ?    And  yet  this  painful  task  must  be 
performed.     The  family  of  General  Mason  remained 
entirely  ignorant  of  what  was  transpiring  regarding 
the  duel,  until  his  mangled  co^ps  was  brought  into  his 
dwelling,  from  which  he  had  so  recently  gone  forth  in 
all  the  vigor  of  life  and  manhood.    And  here  let  us 
drop  the  curtain,  nor  intrude  on  that  scene  of  domestic 
affliction   around  the  deserted   hearth-stone   of   the 
bereaved  family  of  General  Mason. 

But  where  is  Mr.  McOartcr,  the  more  fortunate  pp  rty 
in  the  duel  ?  Hurrying  away  from  the  frightful  scene, 
his  hands  dripping  with  the  blood  of  his  fellow-man, 
he  skulks  about,  until  an  opportunity  is  given  him  to 
step  on  board  a  vessel  bound  to  a  foreign  port ;  he 
leaves  home,  friends  and  country,  in  the  vain  hope  of 
finding  peace  of  mind,  and  liMing  himself  of  that  guilt 
and  censure  which  must  attach  itself  to  a  crime  so 
heinous  as  that  of  taking  the  life  of  ^'  other. 
I  can  but  regard  the  inhuman  -nmnf^ot^  nf  /q„ai,v„ 
as  the  legitimate  fruit  of  Slavery. 


68 


DUELING. 


do  not  retrain  them  fronf  I     ,,  ^°"""'  ^^^ 

offender  .ith  pe.o"w^:  f  fv '""''"^  ^^'^ 
tHeir  insulted  dig„«,  .er  m  ,"  ^-^  ^ 
ever,  encouraging  to  W  that  TrAt  v  "'  "" 
tho  practice  of  durfino- 1,„  ,  ^^'"'^  P^* 

puto  among  the  1^  .    '"'"'''''"'  ''^'^  '"'o  -li^e- 
oommuS^^  "™  '"™'^«  "-'J  -""did  class  of 


/■  I 


Slave  States, 
3  power,  thej 
wishing  every 
nto  death,  if 
•     It  is,  how- 
^  years  past 
3n  into  disre- 
did  class  of 


CHAPTER    VIII. 


HORSE-RACING  AND  GENERAL  TRAINING. 

\  FTER  the  return  of  the  wedding  part/,  Mr.  Fitz- 
XL  hugh  purchased  a  tract  of  land  near  that  of 
Capt.  Helm,  on  which  the  newly-married  couple  com- 
menced keeping  house.  They,  however,  became 
dissatisfied  with  their  location,  and  soon  after  sold 
their  possessions  and  returned  to  the  South. 

Capt.  Helm  still  continued  to  take  the  oversight  of 
b^  slaves,  and  wp.  out  every  day,  superintending  his 
business,  just  as  his  overseer  used  to  do. 

About  this  time  a  man  named  Henry  Tower  came 
to  Bath  to  hire  ^'slav^  boys,"  as  we  were  called. 
The  Captain  hired  to  him  Simon  and  myself,  and  a 
Mr.  Baker  also  hired  to  him  one  slave  named  Vol 
McKenzie.  We  three  started  for  Dresden,  Ontario 
County,  wnere  we  arrived  in  due  time. 

Mr.  Tower  ha:!  just  bought  a  tract  of  land,  three 
miles  tnis  side  of  the  village  cf  Lyons,  on  the  Canan- 
daigua  outlet.    Here  Mr.  Tower  contemplated  making 


Mi 


SS  I  ! 


^  is 


70  HOBSE-P.ACING  AJTD  GEKSRAL  TRAINING. 

great  improvements,  building  mills,  opening  stor-g 
&c.    This  tract  of  land  was  compar^^tively  wild,  there 
being  'bat  a  small  frame  house  for  a  dwelling,  one  for 
a  stt»re,   and  another  for  a  black?:^<ith  shop.    Mr. 
Tower  had  two  brothers ;  ,Tames,  the  eldest,  who  took 
charge  of  the  stor-.v  suid  John,  the  younger,  who  took 
charge  of  the  hands  \vh:.  ^Torkcd  on  the  farm ;  Henry 
himself  superintending  .lie  building  of  the  mills.     This 
firm  had  a  great-  number  or  men  in  their  employ  that 
year.    I  was  kept  busy  helping  the  women  about  the 
cooking  and  house-work.    And  here,  for  the  first  time 
in  my  life,  I  had  a  comfortable  bed  to  sleep  on,  and 
plenty  of  wholesome  food  to  eat ;  which  was  some- 
thing both  new  and  strange  to  me. 

Th'i  Towers  were  thorough-going  business-men; 
they  built  a  large  grist  mill,  with  four  run  of  stone, 
and  also  a  distillery.  In  those  days  it  was  customary 
for  nearly  all  classes  to  drink  spirituous  liquors ;  hence, 
the  distilleries  were  sources  of  great  pecuniary  interest 
to  those  who  owned  them.  But  having  lived  to  see 
the  dreadful  evils  which  the  drinking  of  alcoholic 
beverages  have  produced  on  community,  I  can  hardly 
speak  of  distilleries  in  the  favorable  light  in  which 
they  were  then  regarded. 

The  Towers,  with  comr  ^  >dable  enterprize,  cleui  # 
a  great  number  of  acres  oi      ad  during  the  first  y     - 
I  lived  with  them,  besides  doing  a  heavy  business  iu 
the  mill,  store;  and  distillery. 


h-'i 


ING. 


ATTEND  A  HORSE-RACE. 


ng  storog 
IT  Lid,  there 
g,  one  for 
hop.  Mr. 
who  took 
who  took 
a ;  Henry 
Us.  Thi&i 
iploy  that 
about  the 
first  time 
3  on,  and 
ras  some- 

less-men ; 
of  stone, 
ustomary 
s;  hence, 
Y  interest 
3d  to  see 
alcoholic 
,n  hardly 
n  which 

5,  clCw.  /J 
irst  y  - 
Lsiness  aj 


It  was  customary  then  for  men  to  assemble  at  some 
public  place  for  the  purpose  of  drinking  whisky  and 
.ra).',iEg  horses. 

One  Saturday  afternoon  there  was  to  be  a  race,  and 
ixil  was  excitement.  Being  young,  I  wished  to  go 
with  the  rest.  I  hurried  through  my  work  as  fast  as 
possible,  and  then,  with  a  trembling  heart,  set  off  in 
search  of  my  master,  fearing  lest  he  would  refuse  me 
the  simple  request.  But  he  happened  to  be  in  uncom* 
mon  good  humor,  and  readily  gave  his  consent ;  and 
away  I  went,  "  as  happy  as  a  lark."  When  I  reached 
the  race-ground,  they  were  just  preparing  to  run  the 
horses.  Seeing  me,  they  knew  me  to  be  a  poor  friend- 
less little  slave  boy,  helpless  and  unprotected,  and  they 
could  therefore  do  with  me  as  they  pleased,  and  have 
so:ne  fine  sport  at  my  expense. 

When  I  was  asked  to  ride  one  of  the  fast  horses,  I 
felt  proud  of  the  honor  conferred,  and  was  assisted  to 
mount,  feeling  highly  elated  with  the  lofty  position  I 
had  gained. 

The  word  "  go,"  was  shouted,  and  the  horse  whirled 
off,  and  it  seemed  to  me  as  if  he  flew  with  the  speed  of 
lightning.  My  hat  fell  off  the  first  thing;  and  there 
I  was,  cUnging  with  might  and  main  to  the  neck  of 
the  fiery  animal,  my  head  bare,  my  feet  bootless,  and 
my  old  stripped  shirt  blown  from  my  back,  and 
streaming  out  behind,  and  fluttering  like  a  banner  in 
the  breeze ;  my  ragged  pants  off  at  the  knees,  and  my 


l-il 


■1* 


72 


HOUSE-RACING  AND  GENERAL  TRAINING. 


long  legs  dangling  down  some  length  below  ;  and  at 
the  same  time  crying  "Wheal  whoal"  as  loud  as  I 
could.  Nor  wa^  this  all ;  frightened  as  I  was,  nearly 
to  death,  I  cast  a  despairing  look  behind  me,  and  the 
loud,  derisive  laugh  of  the  bystanders  rung  in  my 
ears. 

LucHcrous  as  I  must  have  appeared,  this  was  too 
much,— I  felt  a  giddiness  coming  over  me,  my  brain 
reeled,  my  hold  relaxed,  and  the  next  instant  I  had 
fallen  to  the  ground,  where  all  consciousness  left  me. 
When  I  came  to  my  senses  I  was  lying  in  bed,  sur- 
rounded by  all  the  appurtenances  of  a  dying  person. 

The  first  thing  I  heard  was  Mr.  Tower  scolding  the 
men  who  put  me  on  the  horse,  and  threatening  them 
with  a  law-suit  for  presuming  to  do  such  a  thing  with- 
out his  permission.     Mr.  Tower  considered  himself 
holden  to  Capt.  Helm  for  my  safe  return,  and  was 
therefore  justly  indignant  at  their  placing  my  life  in 
such  peril.    It  was  indeed  a  narrow  escape,  for  the 
horse  was  running  with  all  his  speed  when  I  fell.     My 
bones  were  unbroken,  however,  and  I  suppose  it  must 
have  been  the  tremendous  jar  I  got  when  I  fell  that 
rendered  me  unconscious ;  nor  do  I  think  it  impossible 
that  the  fright  may  not  have  contributed  somewhat  to 
the  catastrophe. 

It  was  while  I  was  living  with  that  gentleman  that 
the  greatest  "  general  training"  ever  known  in  Western 
New  York,  came  off  at  "  Oak's  Corners,"  in  the  town 


^  I 


. 


GO  TO  "GENERAL  TRAINING." 


73 


of  Phelps.    It  really  seemed  to  me  that  tho  whole 
world  were  going  to  the  training,  and  I,  of  course,  felt 
a  great  curiosity  to  go  where  "all  creation"  appeared  to 
be  going.     Mr.  Tower  permitted  mo  to  go,  and  I 
started  off  in  high  spirits.    "When  I  arrived  witliin 
two  or  three  miles  of  the  place  the  road  was  almost 
blocked  up  with  people,  and  when  I  got  to  Oak's 
Corners  the  crowd  beggared  all  description ;  ciirriagcs 
of  all  sorts  were  there,  containing  eatables  of  all  kinds, 
and  tents  of  all  dimensions  were  on  tho  road-side,  for 
the  houses  could  not  begm  to  accommodate  tho  people. 
The  entire  brigade  was  to  meet  at  that  place,  and  Gov. 
Lewis  was  expected  to  review  the  different  companies, 
and  all  were  anxious  to  see  the  Governor,  for,  in  those 
days,  it  was  a  rare  thing  to  see  so  high  a  dignitary  in 
Western  New  York;  the  eastern  portion  of  tho  State 
having  had  every  thing  of  that  kind  their  own  way. 

Nor  was  the  means  and  mode  of  traveling  brought 
to  such  perfection  as  now.  The  roads  were  now  and 
rough,  and  our  best -public  conveyances  only  tho  slow 
lumbering  stage-coach;  yet,  notwithstanding  these 
inconveniences,  there  was  an  innumerable  crowd 
gathered  at  that  place.  I  spent  the  day  in  walking 
about  the  encampment,  and  seeing  what  was  to  be 
seen,  for  it  was  all  new  tc  >•  ■■. 

Officers  were  riding  o  e/  the  ground,  dressed  in 
uniform,  aid  mounted  on  their  splendid  steeds;  their 
^. „ii,ing  o\ei  tncji-  wukea-nais  m  true  miiitarv 


.^d<% 


74  HORSE-RACIN<?  AND  <;iENi!RAL  TRAINING.         ^  ; 

array.  A  band  of  ^uosic,  as  is  usual,  accompanied  the 
soldiers.  There  was  also  a  "  sham-fight,"  before  the 
breaking  up  of  the  encampment,  and  it  v,...  ally  ter- 
rifying  to  mo,  who  had  never  seen  a  battle  fought,  to 
witness  two  columns  of  trcjops  drawn  up,  and,  at  the 
roll  of  the  Jrum,  behold  them  engage  in  deadly  con- 
flict, to  all  appearance,  and  the  smoke  curling  up  in 
a  blackt;:i,d  mass  toward  heaven;  and,  above  all,  the 
neighing  of  horses,  with  the  feigned  groans  of  the 
wounded  and  dying.  I  inwardly  prayed  to  God  that 
those  men  might  ever  draw  their  weap  .ns  in  a  feigned 
encounter. 

The  first  night  T  spent  at  the  encnmpment  was  one 
long  to  be  remembered ;  it  was  like  the  confusion  of 
Babel.      Of   all    the    hideous  noises  I    ever    heard 
none  could  exceed  those  made  there  that  night.     They 
fired  guns,  quarreled,  drank,  and  swor-  ,  till  day  light. 
There  was  such  a  crow     at  tL     taveri    that  I  (^id  not 
suppose  I  could  get  a  bed,  so  I  threw  myself  down 
upon  a  door-step,  and  b--!.a  to  compose  mysel''  to 
sleep,  when  a  man  came  aiid  wakened  me,  ir^quiring 
at  the  same  time  whose  boy  I  was.     I  ■  jiied  that  I 
lived  with  Mr.  Tower.     "Follow     ne,"   said  he;   I 
arose  and  followed  him  into  the  h(^    c,       ere  he  pro- 
cured  for  m.i  a  bed,  to  be  shared  with  another  "boy," 
who  aad  already  occupied  it. 

1  had  just  began  to  dose,  when  the  explosion  of  fire- 
arms startled   all  in  ihe  house.     The  keeper  of  the 


STG. 

miecl  the 
3fore  the 
.illy  ter- 
)ught,  to 
d,  at  the 
idly  con- 
g  up  in 
)  all,  the 
s  of  the 
rod  that 
I  feigned 

was  one 
iision  of 
•  heard 
,  They 
ly  light, 
did  not 
If  down 
vael''  to 
(quiring 
I  that  I 
he;  I 
he  pro- 
"boy," 

of  lire- 
of  the 


NAEROWLY  ESCAPE   BEING  SHOT. 


76 


tavern  ran  up  stairs  in  great  alarm,  and  when  an  ex- 
amination  was  made,  we  found  that  a  drunken  follow 
had  discharge(^  his  musket  in  the  room  below  the  one 
where  we  were  sleeping,  and  that  the  ball  had  passed 
up  through  the  second  floor  and  completely  through 
the  bt'cl  on  which  I  slept,  to  the  roof,  where,  having 
passed  through  that  also,  rolled  from  thence  to  the 
ground !  And  yet,  strange  as  it  may  appeal-,  no  one 
was  injured,  though  the  house  was  filled  to  overflow- 
ing  with  guests. 

There  were  groups  of  disorderly  and  drunken  men 
continu-  ^ly  roaming  over  the  camp-ground  at  night, 
who  seen^.d  to  have  no  other  object  than  to  annoy 
others,  and      .ment  any  one  they  might  find  sleeping, 
by  shaking  them,    -r,  if  soundly  asleep,  dragging  them 
out  of  their  beds    y  their  feet.     Among  these  thus 
annoyed  by  them  was  a  physician  from  Canandaigua. 
Bcmg  a  passionate  man,  they  seemed  to  think  it  fine 
sport  to  arouse  him  from  sleep  and  hear  him  scold. 
The  first  time  they  dragged  him  from  his  tent  he 
merely  remonstrated  in  a  very  gentlemanly  manner 
and  qmetly  crept  back  .gain.     The  rowdies  were  dis- 
appomted;  they  had  expected  a  "  scene."    As  soon  as 
he  was  asleep  they  attacked  liim  again,  dragging  him 
out  b^  the  heels;  then   he  was  angrv,  and  told  tJiem 
If  they  repe.  ^ed  the  offence  it  would  be  at  the  peril  of 
their  h  OS.  and  a  third  time  retired  to  his  tent ;  but  a 
.._  ..^...^  soo;i  ^^uiv,  ana  ont-,  more  bold  than  tho 


76 


HORSE-RACING  AND  GENERAL  TRAINING. 


rest,  entered  the  tent  and  laid  hold  of  the  Doctor.  He 
sprang  to  his  feet  and  drew  his  sword,  which  he  ran 
through  the  body  of  a  man  supposed  to  bo  that  of  his 
tormentor;  but  oh !  what  sorrow  and  consternation  pos- 
sessed him  when  he  found  he  had  taken  the  life  of  a 
quiet,  unoffending  person  who  happened  to  be  standing 
by,  attracted  to  the  spot  probably  by  the  noise  of  the 
revelers.  The  unhappy  Doctor  was  obliged  to  flee  fi*om 
his  country  for  a  time,  but  after  a  while  the  shadows 
which  had  so  suddenl}-  fallen  on  his  fair  prospects 
were  cleared  away,  and  he  returned  to  his  home 
and  country. 

The  second  day  of  the  encampment  was  one  of  sur- 
passing beauty.  The  sun  shone  in  all  its  softened 
radiance  on  that  vast  concourse  of  human  beings. 
The  field  presented  a  spectacle  which  must  have  been 
imposing  to  those  of  more  experienced  vision  than 
mine ;  but  to  me,  in  my  ignorant  simplicity,  it  was 
superbly  grand ;  facinating  beyond  my  power  of  resist- 
ance, and  made  an  impression  on  my  mind  never  to 
be  effaced. 

The  brigade  was  drawn  up  in  a  line,  each  colonel 
stationed  just  so  many  paces  in  front  of  the  line,  and 
all  the  otl:er  officers,  such  as  majors,  quarter-masters, 
&c.,  were  stationed  at  an  equal  distance  in  the  rear. 
When  all  were  paraded,  the  Governor  of  the  State 
made  his  appearance,  dressed  in  full  uniform  his  hat 
being 


one   of  the   Bonanartp.   s+.xrlp 
r — J — ; 


his 


THE  GBAND  REVIEW. 


77 


aid-de-camp,  who  was  dressed  much  in  the  same  man- 
ner aa  his  Excellency  Governor  Lewis,  who,  after  the 
salute,  took  his  place  at  the  head  of  the  brigade,  and 
the  military  exercises  commenced.     When  the  Gov- 
ernor issued  his  orders,  they  were  first  given  to  his  aid, 
who  passed  them  to  the  officers,  and  they  gave  the 
word  of  command. to  the  soldiers ;  for  instance  if  the 
Governor  wished  the  brigade  to  "  shoulder  arms,"— 
the  order  went  to  the  officer  who  commanded  the  first 
regiment,  and  he  repeated  the  order,  and  was  obeyed; 
then  the  same  order  passed  to  the  next,  and  so  on, 
until  the  whole  brigade  had  complied  with  the  order 
of  his  Excellency. 

But  this,  I  believe,  was  the  first  and  last  time  that 
the  military  were  ever  called  out  on  so  large  a  scale, 
in  the  State  of  New  York.  It  was  supposed  that  the 
effect  would  be  decidedly  injurious  to  a  community 
and  the  idea  was  abandoned.  Young  men  were  so  liable 
to  be  fascinated  by  the  magnificent  spectacle,  that  not 
the  rabble  only  were  attracted  by  the  "trappings  of 
war,"  but  they  have  a  tendency  to  induce  young,  and 
old  men  even,  of  fair  prospects,  to  neglect  their  agricul- 
tural interests  for  military  pursuit..,  which,  in  a  new 
country,  were  certainly  of  paramount  importance,  if 
not  the  greater  of  the  two. 

I  know  that  it  became  very  hard  for  me  to  content 
myself  to  labor  as  I  had  done,  after  witnessing  this 

-Tn«  vvaii^ictcijf  iHtujucaLuu  wim  a 


errand  dianlax- 

^  1-— V  - 


78 


HORSE-RACIN-Q  AND  GENERAL  TRAINING. 


military  spirit,  and  sighed  for  the  liberty  to  go  out 
•'  on  the  lines"  and  fight  the  British. 

The  martial  music,  the  waving  plumes,  and  magni- 
ficent uniform,  had  driven  from  my  mind  entirely  the 
bloodshed  and  carnage  of  the  battle  field ;  beside,  I  was 
sick  and  tired  of  being  a  slave,  and  felt  ready  to  do 
almost  any  thing  to  get  where  I  could  act  and  feel  like 
a  free  man. 

I  became  acquainted  with  a  •  Mr.  McOlure,  a  mer- 
chant in  Bath,  who,  while  on  a  journey  to  Philadel- 
phia, to  purchase  goods,  was  taken  suddenly  ill  and 
died ;  when  his  brother,  George  McClure,  came  on  to 
attend  to  his  diseased  brother's  business.  He  was  a 
fine,  persevering  kind  of  man,  and  very  soon  got  to  be 
General  McClure,  and  commanded  the  brigade  in 
Steuben  County,  and,  as  such,  was  liable  to  be  called 
at  any  time  when  his  services  were  required,  to  go  to 
the  frontier  and  guard  our  lines  from  the  invasion  of 
the  English  army. 

To  him  I  appjied  for  a  situation  as  waiter,  which  he 
readily  agreed  to  give  me  if  I  could  get  the  consent  of 
Captain  Helm.  I  thought  the.  j  would  be  no  trouble 
about  that;  and  oh!  how  I  dreamed  of  and  anticipated 
the  happiness  of  being  something  beside  a  slave,  for  a 
little  while  at  least.  Almost  every  day  I  went  to  the 
store  to  talk  to  Gen.  McClure  of  this  greatest  happiness 
imaginable,  "  going  to  the  lines  I"  and  was  impatient 


DESIRE  TO  BECOME  A  SOLDIER  FRUSTRATED.      79 


At  last  Gen.  McOlure  wrote  to  Gen.  Armstrong,  to 
say  that  he  was  ready  to  obey  any  order  that  he  might 
send  him,  and  march  to  "the  lines,"  if  his  services 
vjere  needed ;  and,  to  my  inexpressible  joy,  marching 
orders  were  returned.  I  nearly  flew  in  search  of  Capt. 
Helm,  never  once  suspecting  that  he  would  object; 
because  I  knew  that  he  did  not  then  require  my  services 
himself,  and  the  pay  would  be  quite  as  good  as  he  had 
been  receiving  for  my  time ;  besides  I  had  so  com- 
pletely set  my  heart  on  going,  that  it  was  impossible 
for  me  to  dream  of  a  disappointment  so  bitter  as  that 
of  being  denied  going  "to  the  lines." 

Oh  I  how  then  were  my  high  hopes  fallen,  and  how 
much  more  hateful  appeared  that  slavery  which  had 
blighted  all  my  military  prospects  ?  Nor  was  Capt. 
Heln.'s  heartless  and  mercenary  reply  to  my  humble 
pleadi/'.g  urj  antidote  to  my  disappointed  feelings  and 
desire  for  freedom.  He  said,  "  you  shall  not  go ;  I 
will  permit  nothing  of  the  kind,  so  let  there  be  an  end 
to  it.  The  pay  is  all  well  enough,  I  know,  but  if  you 
get  killed  your  wages 'will  stop;  and  then  who,  do 
you  suppose,  will  indemnify  me  for  the  loss?  Go 
about  your  business,  and  let  me  hear  no  more  of  such 
nonsense  I" 

There  was  an  emergency  I  had  not  provided  for ; 
and,  as  I  then  believed,  the  master  could  make  no 
demand  on  or  for  the  slaves  beyond  the  grave,  I  was 

J     • ^'--lU  iiitii^rjvi    aii-^  iiij  ecu     WCXG    iiiKSWiii-vH  vfU 


80 


HORSE-RACING  AND  GENERAL  TRAINING. 


tliat  point;  for  I  have  since  learned  numerous  instances 
where  slaves  have  fought  and  died  in  the  service  of 
their  master's  country,  and  the  slave-owner  received  k 

his  wages  up  to  the  hour  of  his  death,  and  then  i 

recovered  of  the  United  States  the  full  value  of  his  I 

person  as  property  I 

Gen.  McClure  left  soon  after  for  the  frontier;  my 
saddened  heart  followed  him,  and  that  was  all;  my 
body  was  in  slavery  still,  and  painful  though  it  was, 
I  must  quietly  submit. 

The  General,  however,  reaped  but  few  if  any 
laurels  in  that  campaign;  he  burned  the  small  village 
of  Newark,  in  Canada,  for  which  he  got  very  little 
credit  on  either  side  of  the  lake ;  so  I  comforted  my- 
self as  well  as  I  could  with  the  reflection,  that  all  who 
"went  to  the  wars"  did  not  return  covered  with  glory 
and  laurels  of  victory, 

I  continued  to  live  with  the  Towers;  and  in  the 
fall  of  that  year,  I  had  t:.3  misfortune  to  cut  my  foot 
.badly.  While  chopping  fire  wood  at  the  door,  I  acci- 
dentally struck  my  ax  against  a  post,  which  glanced 
the  blow  in  such  a  manner  that  it  came  down  with 
sufficient  force  to  nearly  sever  my  great  toe  from 
my  left    foot,    gashing  upward  completely  through  ^ 

the  large  joint,  which  made  a  terrible  wound.    Dr.  V 

Taylor  was  immediately  called,  and  sewed  the  flesh 
together,  taking  two  stitches  on  the  upper,  and  one 
on  the  under,  side  of  the  foot,  before  it  hpo-nn  in  awpH  • 


f 


NQ. 


WOUNDED   FOOT — RETURN  TO  BATH. 


81 


3  instances 
service  of 
•  received 
and  then 
^ue  of  his 


itier;  my 
5  all;  my 
jh  it  was, 


'■  if  any 
.11  village 
ery  little 
rted  my- 
t  all  who 
ith  glory 

d  in  the 
my  foot 
r,  I  acci- 
glanced 
wn  with 
;oe  from 
throudi 
id.  Dr. 
-he  flesh 
and  one 
;o  swell : 


but  when  the  swelling  came  on,  the  stitches  on  the 
upper  side  gave  way,  which  occasioned  the  toe  to  fall 
^f  over  so  much,  that  I  have  been  slightly  lame  from 

that  day  to  this.  For  several  weeks  I  was  unable  to 
be  moved,  and  was  regularly  attended  by  Dr.  Taylor, 
but  as  soon  as  it  could  be  done  without  danger,  I  was 
taken  back  to  Capt.  Helm^s,  where  I  found  things  in 
much  the  same  condition  as  when  I  left  them  over 
a  year  before. 

On  leaving  the  family  of  Mr.  Tower,  I  endeavored 
to  express  to  them  as  well  in  my  pov  er  the  gratitude 
I  felt  for  their  kindness,  and  the  attention  I  had  re- 
ceived during  my  lameness. 

We  returned  to  Bath  in  a  sleigh,  and  arrived  with- 
out accident  or  any  great  suffering.  But  the  kind 
treatment  I  had  always  received  from  the  Messrs. 
Tower  and  family,  made,  it  very  hard  for  me  to 
reconcile  myself  td  my  former  mode  of  living; 
especially  now  that  I  was  lame  and  weak,  from  sick- 
ness and  long  confinement;  besides,  it  was  cold 
weather.  Oh  1  how  hard  it  did  seem  to  me,  afler 
having  a  good  bed  and  plenty  of  bed  clothes  every 
night  for  so  long  time,  to  now  throw  myself  down, 
like  a  dog,  on  the  ''softest  side''  of  a  rough  board,  with- 
out a  pillow,  and  without  a  particle  of  bedding  to 
cover  me  during  the  long  cold  nights  of  winter.  To 
be  reduced  from  a  plentiful  supply  of  good,  whole- 
some food,  to  the  mere  pittance  wh\oh  th«  nor.+o,-„ 
allowed  his  slaves,  seemed  to  me  beyond  CLdurance 


82 


HORSE-RACING  AND  GENERAL  TRAINING. 


And  yet  I  had  always  lived  and  fared  thus  but  I 

never  felt  so  bitterly  these  hardships  and  the  cruelties 

■  of  Slavery  as  I  did  at  that  time ;  making  a  virtue  of 

necessity,  however,  I  turned  my  thoughts  in  another 

direction. 

I  managed  to  purchase  a  spelling  book,  and  set 
about  teaching  myself  to  read,  as  best  I  could.    Every 
spare  moment  I  could  find  was  devoted  to  that  em- 
ployment,  and  when  about  my  work  I  could  catch 
now  and  then  a  stolen  glance  at  my  book,  jast  to 
refresh  my  memory  with  the  shnple  lesson  I  was 
trying  to  learn.    But  here  Slavery  showed  it.  cloven 
foot  in  all  its  hideous  deformity.  It  finally  reached  the 
ears  of  my  master  that  I  was  learning  to  read;  and  then, 
jf  he  saw  me  with  a  book  or  a  paper  in  my  hand,  oh, 
iiow  he  would  swear  at  me,  sending  me  off  in  a  hurry 
about  some  employment.     Still  I  persevered,  but  w.as 
more  careful  about  being  seen  making  any  attempt  to 
learn  to  read.    At  last,  however,  I  was  discovered 
and  had  to  pay  the  penalty  of  my  determination. 

I  had  been  set  to  work  in  the  sugar  bush,  and  I 
took  my  spelling  book  with  me.  When  a  spare 
moment  occurred  I  sat  down  to  study,  and  so  absorbed 

H.at  I  did  not  hear  the  Captain's  son-in-law  coming 
until  he  was  fairly  upon  me.  He  sprang  forward, 
caught  my  poor  old  spelling  book,  and  threw  it  into 
the  fire,  where  it  was  burned  to  ashes;  and  then  came 


i' 


INQ.       V 

;lius,  but  I 
le  cruelties 
X  virtue  of 
in  another 

',  and  set 
d.    Every 
>  that  em« 
uld  catch 
k,  just  to 
^n  I  was 
ts  cloven 
ached  the 
and  then, 
hand,  oh, 

a  hurry, 
,  but  was 
tempt  to 
scovered, 
ion. 
h,  and  I 

a  spare 
ibsorbed 
y  lesson, 

coming 
^orward, 
»■  it  into 
3n  came 


FLOGGED  FOR  LEARNING  TO  READ. 


83 


i' 


I 


my  turn.      He  gave  me  first  a  severe  flogging,  and 
then  swore  if  he  ever  caught  me  with  another  book, 
he  would  ''whip  every  inch  of  skin  off  my  back,"  &c. 
This  treatment,  however,  instead  of  giving  me  the 
lea^t  idea  of  giving  it  up,  only  made  me  look  upon  it 
as  a  more  valuable  attainment.     Else,  why  should  my 
oppressors  feel  so  unwilling  that  their  slaves  should 
possess    that   which    they  thought    so    essential    to 
themselves  ?     Even  then,  with  my  back  bleeding  and 
smarting  from  the  punishment    I    had   received,   I 
determined  to  learn  to  read  and  write,  at  all  hazards, 
if  ray  life  was  only  spared.     About  this  time  Capt' 
Helm  began  to  sell  off  his  slaves  to  different  per- 
sons, as  he  could  find  opportunity,  and  sometimes 
at  a  great  sacrifice.     It  became  apparent  that  the 
Captain,  instead  of  prospering  in  business,  was  getting 
poorer  every  day. 


CHAPTER    IX. 


DEATH  BED  AND  BRIDAL  SCENES. 


NEITHER  Capt.  Helm  nor  lils  wife  made  any 
religious  pretensions.  I  hardly  know  whether 
or  not  they  were  avowed  infidels ;  but  they  alike 
ridiculed  all  religious  professions  and  possessed  some 
very  singular  notions  regarding  life  and  death. 

I  have  often  heard  the  Captain  say,  that  no  person 
need  die  unless  they  choose  to  do  so ;  and  his  wife 
was  of  the  same  belief  I  have  frequently  heard  her 
remark  that  if  mankind  would  firmly  resist  death  it 
would  flee  from  them. 

An  opportunity,  however,  was  soon  after  given  to 
test  the  truth  of  this  strange  dogma.  Mrs.  Helm's 
health  began  to  decline,  but  she  would  pay  no  atten- 
tion to  it,  following  her  usual  course  and  regular 
routine  of  household  duties ;  but  all  in  vain ;  she  was 
taken  down,  alarmingly  ill,  and  it  became  apparent  to 
all,  that  the  "king  of  terrors"  had  chosen  his  victim. 


lade  any 
whether 

.ej  alike 

sed  some 

1. 

o  person 
his  wife 

card  her 
death  it 

given  to 
I.  Helm's 
no  atten- 
regular 
she  was 
)arent  to 
3  victim. 


"K  iMf  one  had  ever  envied  Mr».Wt»lm  in  hf  r  .Jrawinf-room,  richly  attired  and  sparlcUng 
Wtth  jmttB,  or  as  she  moved  with  the  stately  step  of  a  queen  among  her  trembling  slaves, 
tbwAMUd  hav<'  beheld  her  on  h«  death-bed,"  p,  8,% 


•a  iiui 


0 


V 


DKATH  OF  MRS.  Hi^LM. 


85 


r-><t 


«l!-  \' 


She  tried  with  all  her  natural  energy  of  character,  to 
baffle  his  pursuit  and  escape  his  steady  approach,  but 
all  to  no  purpose.  "The  valley  and  the  shadow  of 
death"  were  before  her,  and  she  had  no  assurance  that 
the  "rod  and  staff "  of  the  Almighty  would  sustain 
and  comfort  her  through  the  dark  passage.  She 
shrank  with  perfect  horror  from  the  untried  scenes  of 
the  future. 

If  any  one  had  ever  envied  Mrs.  Ilclm  in  her 
drawing-room,  richly  attired  and  sparkling  with  jewels, 
or  as  she  moved  with  the  stately  step  of  a  queen 
among  her  trembling  slaves,  they  should  liave  beheld 
her  on  her  death  bed  1  They  should  have  listened  to 
her  groans  and  cries  for  help,  while  one  piercing 
shriek  after  another  rang  through  the  princely  man- 
sion of  which  she  had  been  the  absolute  mistress  1 

Surrounded  as  she  was  with  etery  elegance  and 
luxury  that  wealth  could  procure,  she  luy  shrieking 
out  her  prayers  for  a  short  respite,  a  short  lengthening 
out  of  the  life  she  had  spent  so  unprofltably ;  her  eyes 
wandering  restlessly  about  the  apartment,  and  her 
hands  continually  clinching  the  air,  as  if  to  gi'asp 
something  that  would  prevent  her  from  sinking  into 
the  embrace  of  death !  There  was  not  a  slave  presc  t, 
who  would  have  exchanged  places  with  her.  Not 
one  of  those  over  whom  she  had  ruled  so  arbitrarily 
would  have  exchanged  their  rough,  lowly  cabin  and 
quiet  conscience,  for  all  the  wealth  and  pownr  «''o  had 

CVCi'  p(JS30o}?Cli. 


86 


DEATH  BED  AND  BRIDAL  SCENES. 


Nothing  of  all  she  had  enjoyed  in  life,  nor  all  that 
she  yet  called  her  own,  could  give  her  one  hour  of  life 
or  one  peaceful  moment  in  death ! 

Oh!  what  "a  scene  was  that  I  The  wind  blew,  and 
great  drops  of  rain  fell  on  the  casements.  The  room 
lighted  only  with  a  single  taper;  the  wretched  wife 
mingles  her  dying  groans  with  the  howling  of  the 
storm,  until,  as  the  clock  struck  the  hour  of  midnight 
she  fell  back  upon  her  pillow  and  expired,  amid  the 
tears  and  cries  of  her  family  and  friends,  who  not  only 
deplored  the  loss  of  a  wife  and  mother,  but  were 
grieved  by  the  manrv.  r  in  which  she  died. 

The  slaves  wer  11  deeply  affected  by  the  scene ; 
some  doubtless  f;  liy  lamented  the  death  of  their 
mistress;  others  rejoiced  that  she  was  no  more,  and  all 
were  more  or  less  frightened.  One  of  them  I  remem- 
ber went  to  the  pu\np  and  wet  his  face,  so  as  to  appear 
to  weep  with  the  rest. 

What  a  field  was  opened  for  reflection,  by  the 
agonizing  death  of  Mrs.  Helm  ?  Born  and  reared  in 
affluence;  well  educated  and  highly  accomplished, 
possessed  of  every  means  to  become  a  useful  woman 
and  an  ornament  to  her  sex ;  which  she  most  likely 
would  have  been,  had  she  been  instructed  in  the 
Christian  religion,  and  had  lived  under  a  different 
influence.  As  infidelity  ever  deteriorates  from  the 
female  character,  so  Slavery  transforms  more  than  one, 
otherwise  excellent  woman,  into  a  feminine  monster. 


! 


I 


DANGER  OF  THE  SOCIAL  GLASS. 


87 


Of  Mrs.  Helm,  with  her  active  intellect  and  great 
force  of  character,  it  made  a  tyrannical  demon.  Her 
race,  however,  is  ended ;  her  sun  gone  down  in  dark- 
ness, and  her  soul  we  must  leave  in  the  keeping  of  a 
righteous  God,  to  whom  we  must  all  give  an  ace 
for  the  deeds  done  in  the  body.  But  in  view  of  the 
transitory  pleasures  of  this  life;  the  unsatisflictory 
realization  of  wealth,  and  the  cenainty  of  death,  we 
may  well  inquire,  "  What  shall  it  profit  a  man  to  gain 
the  whole  world- and  lose  his  own  soul  ?  " 

Some  little  time  after  the  scene  just  recorded,  there 
came  to  Bath  a  young  physician  named  Henry,  who 
commenced  practice  under  very  flattering  prospects. 
He  was  an  accomplished  young  man,  well  educated 
and  very  skillful  in  his  profession.  He  was  affable 
and  gay  in  his  manners,  and  very  fond  of  company. 
An  intimate  acquaintance  was  soon  formed  with 
Capt.  Helm  and  family,  and  he  called  almost  daily  to 
chat  and  drink  wine  with  the  Captain,— both  being 
quite  fond  of  a  social  glass. 

One  night  in  the  depth  of  winter,  the  Doctor  was 
called  to  see  a  patient  who  lived  six  miles  down  the 
Conhocton  river.  Previous,  howev-jr,  to  the  call,  he 
had  accepted  an  invitation  to  attend  a  party  at  Capt. 
Helm's,  and  there  he  was  found.  They  had  music  and 
dancing,  while  the  wine  passed  around  very  freely. 
None  seemed  to  join  in  the  dance  and  other  amuse 
ments  of  the  evening  with  more  enjoyment  than  did 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


'-  IIIIM 
■^  IIIIM 


IM 

2.2 


1-25  III  1.4 


12.0 


1= 

1.6 


V] 


<^ 


/a 


m 


^l 


VI 


Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


88 


B^TH  BED  a™  bwdaL  SCENES. 


Br.  Heniy;  but  after  he  was  spnf  f„    •.  ,.  • 
bitter  co,d  night,  he  aa  J^  0,^:  ^'f  ""' 
"*  to  .ee  his  paticn,,  to  whLh  he      :^f  "  *° 

and  had  his  fl„e  ,^.;„;,  ..^^^^  ^^  ^^'''^  "dented, 
off  all  his  old  habits^  J     T  P*^'"  '•^<'  °°t  left 

the  Doctor  spL„rLtr='"""/-"  *«  ^t-*,  and 
nately  his  wa'lel  Kb  *''  "'"^-    ^''^-'»- 

trained  anima[cal  i   !  r""°"*''  "'"'  ''''^'>  'he 
-  to  throw  tl  e  ;i:  t    !  '"^'r^^  -h  speed 
a»  that  tenable  jrmXtTT'  "'"^  '"'  ""^ 
Pe^on  goinff  after  wood 'el/    ^^^■'"''^na  3ome 
^  he  was  trying  tier.:  "^'"  "''  *«  »«='» 

and  feet.  Hew^  put  7,7^°"  '^^  ''•°^^''  ^a"* 
vi"age  With  alSCe  i^l'f  ""^ -"^^  '»  *he 
'hat  could  be,  but  his  feetl,  ,  ^"^  """^  ^"^  ^^ 
His  uncle,  Dr  Henrv  w!l       ^  ''"''  ^'""'  ^"M- 

''ho  decided  th^rnX:    ^uM  1"  77  ''^'*'^' 
amputation  of  both  .    ^."""'"^  'ave  hra  life  but  the 

-^one.b'tSiiCitr'^"^^-^^'^ 

promising  young  m,„  r  r  ,  P'-o^Pects  of  this 
about  as'he'u:^  to  ^Tl  T''""'  ''^''"^ 
he  at  last  eame  forth  Xa  ted  "^  "°""''""'<"- 
-iPPle  for  life,  hobbCbol  1  h^  r'"""''  " 
dejected.    And  what   LIT  ^'^'  ^  and 

'bi^  terrible  eaj ^^  ^TrL  ""t  ^  ""^^  "' 
'^om  an  exertion  to  Lr^rC:«"-'or 

wme,  was  undoubtPrlhr  fi.  •  '  intoxicating 


la 


being  a  most 
for  a  horse  to 
iilj  assented, 
I  had  not  left 
le  stable,  and 
s.     Unfortu- 
id  when  the 
1  such  speed 
tere  he  lay 
'ning,  some 
the  Doctor 
ozen  hands 
iken  to  the 
ne  for  Lim 
■ozen  solid. 
IS  possible, 
fe  but  the 
lee.    This 
cts  of  this 
ig  hghtlj 
ntenance, 
aement,  a 
>  sad  and 
cause  of 
3  Doctor 
>xicating 
beedless 
t.  Helm. 


CAPT,   HELM  MARKIED  AGAIN. 


89 


And  should  not  this  circumstance  be  a  warning  to 
parents  and  guardians,  to  young  men  and  children,  "  to 
look  not  upon  the  wine  when  it  is  red,"  and  remember 
that  at  last  "  it  will  bite  like  a  serpent  and  sting  like  an 
adder?  "  Should  it  not  also  remind  those  who  have 
guests  to  entertain,  of  the  sinfulness  of  putting  the 
cup  to  their  neighbor's  lips  ?  Certainly  it  should.  But 
I  must  resume  my  story. 

About  this  time  Major  Thornton  of  Bath,  died.    He 
had  long  been  an  intimate  friend  and  acquaintance  of 
Capt.  Helm,  and  as  the  reader  is  already  informed  of 
the  death  of  Mrs.  Helm,  they  will  not  "be  surprised  to 
know  that  he  began  to  look  earnestly  after  the  widow 
of  his  late  friend.     It  become  apparent  that  his  solici- 
tude for  the  loneliness  of  Madam  Thornton  was  not  so 
much  as  a  disconsolate  widow,  as  that  of  making  her 
the  future  Mrs.  Helm;  nor  was  it  less  observable  that 
the  new-made  widow  accepted   the  Captain's  atten- 
tions  with  great  favor,  and  more  as  a  lover  than  a 
comforter. 

The  result  was,  after  the  Major  had  been  dead  six 
weeks,  Capt.  Helm  was  married  to  his  widow,  and 
brought  her  and  her  servants  in  great  triumph  to  his 
house,  giving  her  the  charge  of  it.  His  own  servants 
were  discharged,  and  hers  took  their  places. 

All  went  on  pleasantly  for  a  while;  then  the  slaves 
began  to  grow  sullen  and  discontented;  and  two  of 
them  ran  away.     Capt.  Helm  started  a  man  named 


I 


90 


DEATH  BED  AND  BRrnAr 

"  JiRIDAL  SCENES. 


Morrison,  a  Scnfnhry.^     • 

the  absconding  ^^^7,1        .     '  ""^  "'^'"^  »' 
«nd  were  never  heard  fr„      I  ^""^  *'^i''  ««=ape 

-terest  suffered  b^JTor"^'  '^"'"^'^  ^^^ 

-''^p™i„.,wda„dS?th^;v;;f  "'^  "' 

home.     When  we  arrived  ''*'"'"'*»''«  carried 

Pa'let  of  straw  to  lie  on      T\      ''^  "^^"^"^  » 

■nothing.    ,Day  aiW,  day  'nl  d     ''^  '^"^^  "■» 

violence,  and  my  mast!f      ^,       "^  '""'"^^  « 

attend  me  through  ZZr'"T^  "  P^ician  to 

low  indeed.     lZfT'^^^^""'''''""'^''y 

-"1  -  thirty  thai  I  r^""^  '""■""'«  -ft  fever! 

^'-roradLgr„ftr::L:tt?'°"'^''- 

^0  by  the  physician's  directio?  I'/f     '"''  ''^'^'^ 
«ntil  I  was  reduced  to  hTT  "''•^  ^rew  weaker 

*»''3Hn  and  bolr.'1^~'"^" '"''•'«'- 
come  to  die;  and  when  /.   7^->^ """"ei' "y  thne  had 

f-..atherdirect^r:o:::;;:;rY-.-^ 

"y  poor  «,„,.    iy";:;^;  ^^  "^tween  Him  and 

o«en  excused  myse^  tZZ  "r  """''    '  '"-' 
and  often  w-ld  and  n.    .     ^  '"' '''"'''''^ons  in  duty, 

of  the  hard  Is  o/r;T  TT'^^'  ™  ~ 

my  H  and  the  injustice  with 


CENES. 

io  hunted  them 

^ny  tidings  of 

'od  their  escape 

bj  those  whose 

s  house  in  the 
'o  violently  ill 
d  to  be  carried 
'^  allowed  a 
3  better  than 

increased  in 
physician  to 
^ght  me  very 
'  with  fever, 

would  have 
^  was  denied 
rrew  weaker 
as  little  else 
«7  time  had 
talk,  I  tried 
I  Jiad,  and 

•And  then 
efore  God. 
1  Him  and 
."    I  had 
's  in  duty, 

^  account 
itice  with 


SICK-BED  REFLECTIONS. 


91 


which  I  was  treated,  even  in  my  best  endeavors  to  do 
as  well  as  I  knew  how.     But  now,  with  death  staring 
me  in  the  face,  I  could  see  that  though  I  was  a  friend- 
less "slave-boy,"  I  had  not  always  done  as  well  as  I 
knew  how;  that  I  had  not  served  God  as  I  knew  I 
ought,  nor  had  I  always  set  a  good  example  before  my 
fellow-slaves,  nor  warned  them  as  well  as  I  might,  "to 
flee  the  wrath  to  come."   Then  I  prayed  my  Heavenly 
Father  to  spare  me  a  little  longer,  that    I    might 
serve  Him  better;   and  in  His  mercy  and  gracious 
goodness-,  He  did  so;    though  when   the  fever  was 
turning  they  gave  me  up;  and  I  could  hear  them  say,  * 
when  they  came  to  feel  my  pulse,  "he  is  almost  gone," 
"it  will  soon  be  over,'  &c.,  and  then  inquire  if  I 
knew  them.    I  did,  but  was  too  weak  to  say  so.     I 
recollect  with  gratitude,  the  kindness  of  Mrs.  H.  A. 
Townsend,  who  sent  me  many  delicacies  and  cooling 
drinks  to  soften  the  rigor  of  my  disease;  and  though 
I  suppose  she  has  long  since  "passed  away"  and  gone 
to  her  reward,  may  the  blessing  of  those  who  are 
ready  to  perish,  rest  upon  the  descendants  of  that 
excellent  woman. 

Capt.  Helm  was  driving  on  in  his  milling,  distillery 
and  farming  business.  He  now  began  to  see  the 
necessity  of  treating  his  slaves  better  by  far  than  he 
had  ever  done  before,  and  granted  them  greater 
privileges  than  he  would  have  dared  to  do  at  the 
South.  Many  of  the  slaves  he  had  sold,  were  getting 
their  liberty  and  doing  well. 


HIBED  OUT  Tn    A    >Tr, 

^^   TO  A  NEW  MASTER. 

purpose  of  learnW  „.e  t„  ^-  *"'°'''  ^'^  t'"^ 

lived  about  three  4rfrl  t"  -l  ''™-    «'"''''-» 

"ea^  one.    He  was  cross  and  t    T  """  '^"^ "  ^^-^^ 
"«  -«1I  -  tyrannical  anTc'el  tT  ''.'■'  ""'^  ''"»"^- 
-d  h-ing  hired  n.e  ^XTr:!'  "'^  "'"P'-^^'- 
•o  f««l  at  fnl,  liberty  to  wreS  •  ^^'    ^^  Reared 
-»«  at  any  time,  whether  I  Ze      .  ™'"  P^'""  °" 
7  di'lii.  terrible  „„;',inr'"""^<'^-t; 
«Ives  in  oatH  curses  anrfT  ^^'"'  ^<»"  ''■'^n'- 

-»M  frequency  rwil"'''''"^  °'''^'  "•"  ^^ 
i'on  pin,  and  beat  me  oveZ    >.   '^''*"°"^  "  ''^avy 
*«y  that  he  freq^n  iHe^.^^'/'*  ■*'  -  ~ 
-7  scanty  appard,  and  Tl    ,  ?"''  ^"-"«°v- 
before  he  could  feel  satisLl  *"  ''^  ^™«'^. 


SUBPKISED  BY  A  BATOE-SNAKE.  93 

These  kind  of  beatings  wore  not  only  excessive!  v 
P  mful,  but  they  always  reminded  me  of  the  blows 
Ihad  so  often  received  from  the  key;  in  the  hand  of 
Mr^Helm,  when  I  wa.  bat  a  little  waiter  lad ;  and  in 
trath  I  must  say  that  the  effect  of  these  heavy  blows 
on  the  head,  have  followed  me  thus  far  through  life  • 
^ubjectmg  me  to  frequent  and  violent  head-ache;  from' 
wh,ch  I  never  expect  to  be  entirely  free.      Even  to 
«..  day  I  shudder  at  the  thought,  when  I  think  how 
Eobmson  used  to  fly  at  n.e,  swearmg,  foaming,  and 
eemmg  to  think  there  was  no  weapon  too  Jge  or 
too  heavy  to  strUce  me  with. 

He  and  I  were  a:  one  time  logging  with  a  yoke  of 
oxen,  wh.ch  .t  was  my  business  to  drive.  At  that 
to  rattle-snakcs  were  numerous,  and  a  great  terror 
to  the  mhabitants.  To  be  bitten  by  one  of  these 
poisonous  reptiles  was  cer,.in  and  almost  instant 
death;  hence,  the  greatest  caution  and  constant  vi-^i- 
lance  was  necessary  to  avoid  them  while  at  work  °I 
had  been  sent  with  the  oxen  to  draw  a  log  to  the  pile 

to  be  ho  low ;  but  stepping  forward,  with  the  chain  in 
2,  I'  '"'^  *"  """"^  ''  '°  "-  ">«.  -hen,  oh,  hor- 
death-knell  m  my  ears,  proceeding  from  the  log  I  was 
about  to  lay  hold  of.    I  was  so  much  frightened  b" 

red  hot,  left  my  team,  and  ran  with  all  the  speed  in 


»4 


HlliBJ)  OUT  Tn    4    ». 

^  TO  A  NEvr  MASTER. 


'"y  power,  screaming  "„m,dp, 

couJd.  ^       '"'^"'^'^"^der!"  as  loud  as  I 

This  proceedine-,  wliich  wo    .t. 
*o  mo^en^  offence,  ZtiZ      /""""  ™P«'-  "^ 
opportunity  to  boat  me  Jr !' ""n  ^'''"'''"  ""o*^' 
«*  -  much  afraid  of  21      ^    ""'  '^'^  ''-- 
>vas  the  master  and  I  the  "^     f"""  »^  ^l   but  he 
v-t  difference.    He  caLfjT'"  "'''*  ""do  a 
h-id  oaths,  beat  JlT^^l'"'  ""■  ""'''  -* 
threatening  me  with  awful  Zt  "^'"^  '"^  "«"'"'• 
>n*ntjy  return  and  brill  hf,"'  '^  ^  *''  »<" 
I  never  can  forgot  the  „„  1,  '^""^''  '^ * 

-mpelied  byhiftictandbf  "^""^''^'^  '"■  -^"e 
'he  chain  around  the  C  0^"  •'"  "'"™  ™^  ^-'» 
pent.  I,  however,  suc^  fdeTw'r^  "^  '^^""^^  -'- 
»d  drove  the  ox  n   W  t  ''"""''^6  ^^^nda, 

l^<-t  possible  dis;n:   tml  """''  ^'  *^  ''- 
When  I  finally  arrived  at  ft      ,"  '"''  "■«   % 
-me  other  men,  cut"  h^ll  w^f  ''  ""'■  ^"■"-^  -d 
'^"ed  the  large  venomot  ^^  "  ? '"  '''''  '»^.  »d 
«ioned  me  so  much  al^ml  f  ■™''' *^"'^<>  «<'^- 
J^o-aathenncontrSLrd'bTutr™^'^-'-^- 

J-b.sonlyde.cieney.he:r:r:r,t- 

0"  ae  day  of  the  totafLt;e  Jf  "  "^'^^  ^"^^ 
■•-   head   that   it   would  t   «         ""'  '*  ™*«'«'' 

'^   ""^   ^Port,  knowing 


MASTER. 

^der /"  as  loud  as  I 

fearful  impulse  of 
gave  him  another 
y-    He  was  him- 
'«^^«8  I;   but  he 
^"  which  made  a 
^  nie,  and,  with 
gain  and  again; 
^"^  if  I  did  not 
*e  desired  spot. 
I  was  in,  while 
'turn  and  fasten 
the  dekdljser- 
'^Wing  hands, 
self  at  the  far 
and  the   Jog 
J^obinson  and 
n  the  Jog,  and 
*at  had  occa- 
'^uel  beating, 
assion  of  fio- 
^  as  he  was 

of  a  neigh- 
•etise  forest. 

>  it  entered 

>  knowing 


MY  my  M^gre,,^  ^  HWKTLBS  MAX.  »5 

my  ignorance  and  ™pe«tition,  to  send  me    just  oa 
the  darkness  was  comln,,       .  ■' 

wa«,n      T        '',,~"""S  °".  t"  ■•cturn  the  borrowed 
wagon.     I  accordinijlv  IiitclM.,!  fi 
startP^      A     T  i"t>-hml  the  ox-team  to  it  and 

started.    As  I  proeeeded  through  the  woorl  T 
wuh  astonishment  and  so„,„  „I..rm     W  T  ' 

the  day     When  I  reaehed  the  plaee  of  my  destination 
It  was  almost  total  darkness  m„I  .  "tstmation 

rant  as  myself,  were  ™  'I'      V         P™°"^''  'S"°- 
H»nds,  and  del. :';«;";'■  -""S-g  «.oir 

-J.ent.deome:a:ri^^^^^^ 

things  earthly  were  coml  ''"*  *'""  '^'"^^'l  '"1 
[free  from  HoMnso^;  brnff  ™  ™'''  '  ^^'-^  ^'^ 
»7  Creator,  Ifelt;  erttTonw f.  '"  '"^"'"^ 
ing  my  cro.,,  „nmereif„,  ^t     it   t  W  "'  ""'■ 

I  had  been,  and  unworthyri  w^  T   T'T'"'  " 
better  off  thin  J  ti,  ■«  ^  was,  I  should  be  far 

w^'>>outi::ni.T:Lt-;°r^'^'^a^ 

M  above  all,  subjected  ZC^Lr^.T'  "'''' 
any  heartless  tyrant  to  w],n  ''''P'''^^'  ^^ 

«>opowerto  Je::er\?l„:^,:r  "'^^'"  ^™ 
for  refleetion,  I  hurried  hn  ""'  ""^  '™« 


96 


HIRED  OUT  TO  A  NEW  MASTER. 


hand ;  wliich  greatly  disappointed  my  expectant  mas- 
ter, who  was  looking  for  mo  to  return  in  a  great  fright, 
making  some  very  ludicrous  demonstration  of  fear  and 
alarm.  But  after  a  few  months  more  of  hardship  I 
was  permitted  to  return  to  Cai)t.  Helm's,  where  I  was 
treated  much  better  than  at  Robinson's,  and  much 
better  than  the  Captain  used  to  treat  his  slaves. 

Capt.  Helm,  not  having  dema^'^  for  slave  labor  as 
much  as  formerly,  was  in  the  practice  of  hiring  out 
his  slaves  to  different  persons,  both  in  and  out  of  the 
village ;  and  among  others,  my  only  sister  was  hired 
out  to  a  professed  gentleman  living  in  Bath.  She  had 
become  the  mother  of  two  or  three  children,  and  was 
considered  a  good  servant. 

One  pleasant  Sabbath  morning,  as  I  was  passing  the 
house  where  she  lived,  on  my  way  to  the  Presbyterian 
church,  where  I  was  sent  to  ring  the  bell  as  usual,  1 
heard  the  most  piteous  erics  and  earnest  pleadings 
issuing  from  the  dwelling.  To  my  horror  and  the 
astonishment  of  those  with  me,  my  poor  sister  made  her 
appearance,  weeping  bitterly,  and  followed  by  her 
inhuman  master,  who  was  polluting  the  air  of  that 
clear  Sabbath  morning,  with  the  most  horrid  impreca- 
tions and  threatenings,  and  at  the  same  time  flourish- 
ing a  large  raw-hide.  Very  soon  his  bottled  wrath 
burst  forth,  and  the  blows,  aimed  with  all  his  strength, 
descended  upon  the  unprotected  head,  shoulders  and 
back  of  the  helnless  woman,  until  she  was  literally  cut 


EB. 


MY  SISTER   INHUMANLY  FLOGGED. 


97 


xpectant  mas' 
a  great  fright, 
on  of  fear  and 
of  hardsliip  I 
1,  where  I  was 
's,  and  much 
slaves. 

slave  labor  [is 
of  hiring  out 
md  out  of  the 
ster  was  hired 
ath.  She  had 
dren,  and  was 

ras  passing  the 
e  Presbyterian 
3II  as  usual,  1 
aest  pleadings 
orror  and  the 
sister  made  her 
lowed  by  her 
he  air  of  that 
lorrid  impreca- 
!  time  flourish- 
bottled  wrath 
dl  his  strength, 
shoulders  and 
ras  literallv  cut 


to  pieces.  She  writhed  in  his  powerful  grasp,  while 
shriek  after  shriek  died  away  in  heart-rending  moan- 
ings ;  and  yet  the  inhuman  demon  continued  to  beat 
her,  though  her  pleading  cries  had  ceased,  until 
obliged  to  desist  from  the  exhaustion  of  his  own 
strength. 

What  a  spectacle  was  that,  for  the  sight  of  a  bro- 
ther ?  The  God  of  heaven  only  knows  the  conflict  of 
feeling  I  then  endured;  He  alone  witnessed  the  tumult 
of  my  heart,  at  this  outrage  of  manhood  and  kindred 
affection.  God  knows  that  my  will  was  good  enough 
to  have  wrung  his  neck ;  or  to  have  drained  from 
his  heartless  system  its  last  drop  of  blood !  And  yet  I 
was  obliged  to  turn  a  deaf  ear  to  her  cries  for  assist- 
ance, which  to  this  day  ring  in  my  ears.  Strong  and 
athletic  as  I  was,  no  hand  of  mine  could  be  raised  in 
her  defence,  but  at  the  peril  of  both  our  lives ; — nor 
could  her  husband,  had  he  been  a  witness  of  the  scene, 
be  allowed  any  thing  more  than  unresisting  submis- 
sion to  any  cruelty,  any  indignity  which,  the  master 
saw  fit  to  inflict  on  Jm  wife,  but  the  other's  siave. 

Does  any  indignant  reader  feel  that  I  was  wanting^ 
in  courage  or  brotherly  affection,  and  say  that  he 
would  have  interfered,  and,  at  all  hazards,  rescued  his 
sister  from  the  power  of  her  master ;  let  him  remem- 
ber that  he  is  a  freeman;  that  he  has  not  from  his 
infancy  been  taught  to  cower  beneath  the  white  man's 
frown,  and  bow  at  his  bidding,  or  suffer  all  the  rigor 
E 


I 


M 


HIRED  OUT  TO  A  NEW  MASTER. 


of  the  slave  laws.  Had  the  gentlemanly  woman- 
whipper  been  seen  beating  his  horse,  or  his  ox,  in  the 
manner  he  beat  my  poor  sister,  and  that  too  for  no 
fault  which  the  law  could  recognize  as  an  offence,  he 
would  have  been  complained  of  most  likely ;  but  as  it 
was,  she  was  but  a  "slave  girl," — with  whom  the 
slave  law  allowed  her  master  to  do  wliat  ho  pleased. 

Well,  I  finally  passed  on,  with  a  clinched  fist  and 
contracted  brow,  to  the  church,  and  rung  the  bell, 
r  think  rather  furiously,  to  notify  the  inhabitants  of 
Bath,  that  it  was  time  to  assemble  for  the  worship  of 
that  God  who  has  declared  himself  to  be  "  no  respec- 
ter of  persons."  With  my  own  heart  beating  wildly 
with  indignation  and  sorrow,  the  kind  reader  may 
imagine  my  feelings  when  I  saw  the  smooth-faced 
hypocrite,  the  inhuman  slave- whipper,  enter  the  church, 
pass  quietly  on  to  his  accustomed  seat,  and  then 
meekly  bow  his  hypocritical  face  on  the  damask 
cushion,  in  the  reverent  acknowledgment  of  that  reli- 
gion which  teaches  its  adherents  "to  do  unto  others 
as  they  would  be  done  by,"  just  as  if  nothing 
unusual  had  happened  on  that  Sabbath  morning. 
Can  any  one  wonder  that  T,  and  other  slaves,  often 
doubted  the  sincerity  of  every  white  man's  religion  ? 
Can  it  be  a  matter  of  astonishment,  that  slaves  often 
feel  that  there  is  no  just  God  for  the  poor  African? 
Nay,  verily ;  and  were  it  not  for  the  comforting  and 
sustaining  influence  that  these  poor,  illiterate  and  suf- 


a 


anly  wornan- 
his  ox,  in  the 
it  too  for  no 
n  offence,  he 
cly ;  but  as  it 
th  whom  the 
he  pleased, 
ihed  fist  and 
ling  the  bell, 
ihabitants  of 
e  worship  of 

"no  respec- 
eating  wildly 

reader  may 
smooth-faced 
er  the  church, 
it,  and  then 
the  damask 
i  of  that  reli- 
)  unto  others 
I  if  nothing 
dh  morning, 
slaves,  often 
n's  religion? 
;  slaves  often 
3or  African? 
nforting  and 
rate  and  suf- 


CAPT.  HELM  SELLS  AUNT  B^^TSEY. 


99 


Xf. 


fcring  creatures  feel  as  coming  from  an  unearthly 
source,  they  would  in  their  ignorance  all  become  infi- 
dels. To  me,  that  beautiful  Sabbath  morning  was 
clouded  in  midnight  darkness,  and  I  retired  to  ponder 
on  what  could  be  done. 

For  some  reason  or  other,  Capt.  Helm  had  supplied 
every  lawyer  in  that  section  of  country  with  slaves, 
either  by  purchase  or  hire;  so  when  I  thought  of  seek- 
ing legal  redress  for  my  poor,  mangled  sister,  I  saw  a1 
once  it  would  be  all  in  vain.  The  laws  were  in  favoi 
of  the  slave  owner,  and  besides,  every  legal  gentleman 
in  the  village  had  one  or  more  of  the  Captain's  slaves, 
who  were  treated  with  more  or  less  rigor ;  and  of  course 
they  would  do  nothing  toward  censuring  one  of  their 
own  number,  so  nothing  could  be  done  to  give  the 
slave  even  the  few  privileges  which  the  laws  of  the 
State  allowed  them. 

The  Captain  sold  my  aunt  Betsy  Bristol  to  a  dictin 
guished  lawyer  in  the  village,  retaining  her  husband, 
Aaron  Bristol,  in  his  own  employ ;  and  two  oi  her 
children  he  sold  to  another  legal  gentleman  named 
Cruger.  One  day  Captain  Helm  came  out  where 
the  slaves  were  at  work,  and  finding  Aaron  was  not 
there,  he  fell  into  a  great  rage  and  swore  terribly.  He 
finally  started  off  to  a  beach  tree,  from  which  he  cut 
a  stout  limb,  and  trimmed  it  so  as  to  leave  a  knot  on 
the  but  end  of  the  stick,  or  bludgeon  rather,  which 
was  about  two  and  a  half  feet  in  length,.    With  this 


3        I 


H 


lOU 


HIRED  OUT  TO  A  NEW  MASTER. 


fonnidable  weapon  he  started  for  Aaron's  lonely  cabin 
When  the  solitary  husband  saw  him  coming  he  sus- 
pected  that  he  was  angiy,  and  went  forth  to  meet  him 
m  the  street.     Thej  had  no  sooner  met  than  my  mas- 
ter seized  Aaron  by  the  collar,  and  taking  the  limb  he 
had  prepared  by  the  smaller  end,  commenced  beating 
him  with  it,  over  the  head  and  face,  and  struck  hrm 
some  thirty  or  more  terrible  blows  in  quick  succession ; 
after  which  Aaron  begged  to  know  for  what  he  was 
so  unmercifully  flogged. 

"Because  you  deserve  it,"  was  the  angry  reply. 
Aaron  said  that  he  had  ever  endeavored  to  discharge 
bis  duty,  and  had  done  so  to  the  best  of  his  ability; 
and  that  he  thought  it  very  hard  to  be  treated  in  that 
manner  for  no  offence  at  all.  Capt.  Helm  was  aston- 
ished at  his  audacity ;  but  the  reader  will  perceive 
that  the  slaves  were  not  blind  to  the  political  condition 
of  the  country,  and  were  beginning  to  feel  that  they 
had  some  rights,  and  meant  to  claim  them. 

Poor  Aaron's  face  and  head,  however,  was  left  in  a 
pitiable  condition  after  such  a  pummelling  with  a 
knotty  stick.     His  face,  covered  with  blood,  was  so 
swollen  that  he  could  hardly  see  for  some  time;  but 
what  of  that  ?    Did  he  not  belong  to  Capt.  Helm,  soul 
and  body ;  and  if  his  brutal  owner  chose  to  destroy  his 
own  property,  certainly  had  he  not  a  right  to  do  so, 
without  let  or  hindrance?    Of  course;  such  is  the 
power  that  Slavery  gives  one  human   being   over 
another. 


m 


lonely  cabin, 
ming  he  sus- 

to  meet  him 
han  my  mas- 
^  the  limb  he 
need  beating 

struck  hrra 
k  succession ; 
vhat  he  was 

mgry  reply, 
to  discharge 
'  his  ability; 
sated  in  that 
t  was  aston- 
ill  perceive 
al  condition 
3I  that  they 

'■as  left  in  a 
ng  with  a 
od,  was  so 
!  time ;  but 
Helm,  soul 
destroy  his 
i  to  do  so, 
iich  is  the 
eing   over 


•AVES  PROUD  OP  THEIR  MASTFTS  WEALTH.      101 

And  yet  it  must  be  confessed  that  among  the  poor, 
degraded  and  ignorant  slaves  there  exists  a  foolish 
pride,  which  loves  to  boast  of  their  master's  wealth 
and  mflaence.     A  white  person,    too  poor  to  own 
slaves,  is  a.  often  looked  upon  with  as  much  disdain 
by  the  miserable  slave  as    by  his  wealthy  owner. 
Ihis  disposition  seems  to  be  instilled  into  the  mind  of 
orery  slave  at  the  South,  and  indeed,  I  have  heard 
slaves  object  to  being  sent  in  very  small  comp      33  to 
abor  in  the  field,  lest  that  some  passer-by  should 
think  that  they  belonged  to  a  poor  man,  who  wa. 
unable  to  keep  a  large  gang.    Nor  is  this  ridiculous 
sentiment  maintained  by  the  slaves  only;  the  rich 
planter  feels  such  a  contempt  for  all  white  persons 
without  slaves,  that  he  does  not  want  them  for  his 
neighbors.      I  know  of  many  instances  where  such 
persons  have  been  under  the  necessity  of  buying  or 
hiring  slaves,  just  to  preserve  their  reputation   and 
keep  up  appearances  ;  and  even  among  a  class  of  peo- 
ple who  profess  to  be  opposed  to  Slavery,  have  I 
known  instances  of  the  same  kind,   and  hL  heard 

when  m  Rome,  we  must  do  as  the  Romans  do." 

who  had  a  large  amount  of  this  miserable  pride  •  and 
for  him  to  be  associated  with  a  white  man  in  the'same 
humble  occupation,  seemed  to  give  him  idea,  of  ^a 
-.-^^^^v,  «"u  mh  iiuerty  to  treat  him  with  all  the 


102 


HIEED  OUT  TO  A  NEW   MABTEE. 


«corn  and  sarcasm  he  was  capable  of,  in  which  mr 
uncle  was  by  no  means  deficient.  ^ 

torse,  by  the  name  of  Speouhlor.  This  home 
^corned  by  uncle  Aaron,  stood  sometimes  at  ^^h 
-d  somefmes  at  Geneva;  and  at  the  latter  villa». 
aether       r.,.askep,  groomed  by  a  white  ma;: 

Aaron  f  T  ^""  """   ™"7  ^^"  Pl'^'^^d  with 

Aaron  s  eontmual  disparagement  of  the  clumsy  animal 

horse      and  then  he  would  fling  out  some  of  his 
proud  nonsense  about  "poor  whi<e  peopk  who  y^ere 

We  1,  things  went  on  in  this  unpleasant  manner  for 
-veral  weeks,  when  at  last  the  white  groom  and 
Aaron  met  at  Geneva,  and  the  home  belonging  to  the 
former,  designedly  or  aecidenWly,  escaped  Im  h 
keeper,  and  came  with  full  speed,  with  his  mouth 
wide  open,  after  Speculator.    When  the  fiery  fellow 
had  overtaken  uncle  Aaron  he  attempted  to  g^asp  the 
wethers  of  Speculator  with  his  teeth,  instead  o^  whicT 
he  caught  Aaron  on  the  inside  of  his  thigh  near  the 
grom,  f^,  .Hence  he  bit  a  large  piece  of  fle  h   T^n; 
the  bone  entirely  ba,.;  at  the  same  moment  flin^ng 
Aaxon  to  the  ground,  some  rods  off;  and  the  L! 
mstant  he  kicked  Speculator  down  a  steep  embank! 
ment     Aaron  was  taken  up  for  dead,  and  Dr.  Henry 
sent  for,  who  dressed  his  wounds;  and  after  several 


'ER. 

in  which  mv 

!  and  valuable 
This    horse, 
iimes  at  Bath 
latter  village 
I  white  man. 
pleased  with 
ilumsj  animal 
iward   plow- 
some  of  his 
fe  who  were 
orses,"  &c. 
t  manner  for 
groom  and 
nging  to  the 
Jd  from  his 
his  mouth 
fiery  fellow 
to  grasp  the 
td  of  which 
?h,  near  the 
3esh,  laying 
^nt  flinging 
i  the  next 
-p  embank- 
Dr.  Henry 
^r  several 


UNCLE  AARON  TAKES  "FRENCH  LEAVE.'*       103 

months'  confinement  he  finally  recovered.  It  is  pro- 
bable that  the  biting  and  overthrow  of  Aaron  saved 
his  life,  as  he  must  have  otherwise  been  killed  in  the 
encounter  of  the  two  horses. 

A  while  after  his  recovery,  uncle  Aaron  succeeded 
in  procuring  a  team  and  some  kind  of  vehicle,  in 
which  he  put  his  wife  and  children,  and  between  two 
days,  took  "  French  leave"  of  his  master  as  well  as  of 
the  lawyer  to  whom  his  wife  belonged. 

The  lawyer,  however,  was  far  from  being  pleased 
when  he  missed  his  property,  and  immediately  set  his 
wits  to  work  to  redaim  her.    All  was  kept  secret  as 
possible,  but  it  was  whispered  about  that  it  was  to  be 
done  by  a  State's  warrant,  for  removing  the  clothing 
and   furniture  they  had    taken,  and  so,  being  thus 
arrested,  "  Madam  Bristol"  would  be  glad  to  return  to 
her  work  in  the  lawyer's  kitchen.    But  Aaron  was  a 
Bmart,  shrewd  man,  and  kept  out  of  their  reach,  where 
he  soon  found  friends  and  employment,  and  could  go 
where  he  pleased,  without  having  an  infuriated  master 
to  beat  and  disfigure  him  with  a  knotted  stick,  until 
his  clothes  were  bespattered  with  blood.     They  appre- 
ciated their  liberty,  and  lived  and  died  in  peace  and 
freedom. 

Capt.  Helm  continued  his  old  manner  of  treating 
slaves,  dealing  out  their  weekly  allowance  of  corn  or 
meal;  but  living  as  we  now  did,  so  much  more  inti- 
mately  with  white  inhabitants,  mir  nr^^AUi 


101 


HIRED  our  TO  A  NEIV  MASTER. 


™il7  .mprovod.     The  rfavc,  became  more  refine,!  i„ 
manners  a,„  in  p„.«,„i„„  „f  ,.,  «  «^ 

to  prov,de  for  themsolve,  than  tl.e^  ,,ad  L  before 

foUun^  of  „u,  „  ^,  „„,,„  ^  disadvantageous  to 
•«•  Oh,  how  this  fearful  nneertainty  weighed  «r,on 
us  aa  wo  saw  that  our  m.ter  was  not^prosper^ Td 

of  he  loathsome  slave-pen,  rieo  swamps,  and  many 
other  tl  ngs  we  should  have  to  fear  in  Virginia  We 
wcrestdU„„.  a„d  yet  we  had  so  mueh  gret:  ehal 

~h  r  f '''  '"'^'"^^"'  ''-P''  "'»'"  -^  - 

many  thmgs  wh.eh  we  never  knew  before   that  I 

«unlc  a  1  trader  would  have  found  it  a^ 
^k  to  take  any  one  of  us  to  a  Southern  slave  market 
■f  our  master  had  so  ordered  it  ' 

The  village  of  Bath  is  ™ther  an  out-of-the-way 
ei  rT  ':  ""  ""  ^'*^  ''^'  --'a-  of  eonid 
Zth  :''^  """="  ^"  "P^-^'S  -  "'^  -th, 
lZ  P  f  ™'  ™"^^'  '°  "X'  •'««1  of  Crooked 
I^e  Produce  of  every  kind,  when  oaee  there  met 
a  «>ady  sale  for  the  New  Tork  market.  ' 

on^  outlet  for  the  country  produce,  which  wa.,  trans 
ported  m  rude  boats  or  vessels  «d,ed  .*,  b:  It  Z 

ng  the  wmter  seasor.  to  await  the  spring  fre  het :  then 
they  loaded  them  with  wheat  or  other  produce  and 
-ntthemtoBaltimo^orelsewhe..    Th'eyu^^^i 


iTER. 

more  refined  in 
Jr  opportunities 
ad  ever  before 
^  reverse  in  the 
^Ivantageous  to 
weiglied  upon 
prospering  and 
le  dismal  tears 
33,  and  manj 
^rginia.    We 
greater  chanco 
3  about  us,  so 
'efore,  that  I 
it  a  difficult 
ilave  market, 

it-of-the-way 
IS  of  consid- 
the   north, 
of  Crooked 
5  there,  met 


AN  ATTEMPT  TO  STAB  ME.  105 

to  Obtain  great  quantities  of  fine  lumber,  and  floated 
taroughthe  same  rivers  every  spring;  but  it  was 
attenM  with  great  loss  of  life  and  property. 

Bath  assumed  a  warlike  appearance  during  the  last 
war  w:th  Great  Britain;  the  public  square  wl  dottTd 
all  over  w.th  ofHcers,  marquees,  and  soldiers'  tents. 
I  ^me  o^  these  soldie.  were  unprincipled  and  reekle^ 
men,  who  seemed  to  care  very  little  what  they  did 

0- evening  I  was  walking  around  the  encampment 
n  company  with  a  Mr.  James  Morrison,  a  clerk  in 
the  land  office,  looking  at  the  soldiers,  until  we  came 
"oar  a  sentinel  on  duty.     He  kept  k  gun  to  t 

^y   o Id  ^e  to  run ;  I  did  so,  which  probably  savea 


E* 


da  was  the 
t  was  trans- 
,  built  dur- 
shet:  then 
oduce,  and 
r  used  also 


CHAPTER    XI. 


THOUGHTS  ON-  FREEDOM. 


AFTER  living  sometime  in  Bath,  and  having  the 
privilege  of  more  enlightened  society,  I  began 
to  think  that  it  was  possible  for  me  to  become  a  free 
man  m  some  way  besides  going  into  the  army  or 
running  away,  as  I    had  often  thought  of  doing. 
I  had  listened  to  the  conversation  of  others,  and 
determined  to  ask  legal  counsel  on  the  subject  the 
first  opportunity  I  could  find.    Very  soon  after,  as  I 
was  drawmg  wood,  I  met  on  the  river  bridge,  Mr.  B, 
Cruger,  the  eminent  lawyer  before  mentioned,  and  I 
asked  him  to  tell  me  if  I  was  not  free,  by  the  laws  of 
New  York.     He  started,  and  looked  around  him  as  if 
afraid  to  answer  my  question,  but  after  a  while  told 
me  I  was  not  free.    I  passed  on,  but  the  answer  to  my 
question  by  no  means  satisfied  me,  especially  when  I 
remembered  the  hesitancy  with  which  it  was  given. 

I  sought  another  oDnortum'tv  trx  av^«^^,  ^ui.   -.f 

^^  ,j    v^  ojjvcIa.  Willi   Air, 


md  having  the 
ociety,  I  began 
'  become  a  free 
>  the  army  or 
ght  of   doing. 
)f  others,  and 
le  subject  the 
oon  after,  as  I 
bridge,  Mr.  D, 
ntioned,  and  I 
3J  the  laws  of 
•und  him  as  if 
•  a  while  told 
answer  to  my 
cially  when  I 
was  given. 
:ak  with  Mr, 


ADVISED  BY  THE  MANUMISSION  SOCIETY.     107 

Cruger,  and  at  last  found  him  in  his  office  alone;  then 
he  con         a  freely  on  the  subject  of  Slavery,   ellL" 

Tat  St!t  T  f  ''''''  ""''  ""'''  "^^  -  -^-  - 
me  to  ^Co  f  r  ':  '"'^  '^"'  ^^^  ^^-  ^-^^d 
t"    Z.,    r  "'  ''  ''^°^^'  *^-  fi-^  being  at 

the  head  of  a  manumission  society,  and  the  last  named 
gentleman  one  of  its  directors. 

Our  condition,  as  I  have  said  before,  was  greatlv 
-proved ;  and  yet  the  more  we  knew  o  freedS 
more  we  desired  it,  and  the  less  willing  wereTe  to 
remam  m  bondage.     The  slaves  that  Capt  Helm  had 

:ott;tr;'  -r-%  wn^hiitd ': 

There  is  no  one,  I  care  not  how  favorable  his  con 

?1 1    "t  *;  *"  '  ^''™'  •»  '^'-  ^»  -  "Tng 

h card  fud  if  ,  ''  '"°'''  "'  °«^--    I  "^ave  often 
heard  fug  fve  slaves  say,  that  it  was  not  so  much  the 

cruel  beatmgs  and  floggings  that  they  receiv^  wh^ 
-dueed  them  to  leave  the  South,  as'^he  delof  'rl 
.^^outawho,e,ifeofnnre,ni.dtoatoe:iS 

-aw.U^^^,cce„fLn-2r.ttl~ 

s^ae?nritfTh:7arrr~^'° 

-     -at  abjec.  ana  humble  state  which  Slavery 


THOUGHTS  ON  FREEDOM. 

in  almost  everv  insfl      1       .       ""'""*''  P"'"'"' 
only  tr«o  and  livi„.  God    1,.  "'"'""'"'  ""' 

Queen,  "El'  ""•   "^""■'-."  ^-id  the 

othe^ise  tlr;^^^^^^^  *-  -  -sen, 

Bree:ii!:----o-::iJ 

W  .OOP,  .0  jX;L"BXreZl1 
been  to  .pe,  ..n  invasion  of  the  Briti;h  '  '"' 

pre?v  r""r  "'"'^  "''■"^'  "-^  ^""U  but  ver, 
wealthy  and  enteipnsmg  gentlemen  had  come 


I 


Vf. 

iisastrous  on  the 
^r  the  soul  and 
ilimitcd  power, 
the  man  into  a 

e  were  brought 
)  reverence  the 
I  the  answer  of 
'and,  when  her 
>ni  their  native 
liem,"  said  the 
'  own  consent, 
1  bring  down 
very  different 
t  the  present 
1  flesli.     But, 

•  own  myself; 

ermission  of 

Canandaigua 
of  1814.    I 

Canandaigua. 
y  of  United 
ire  they  had 

^11  but  very 

■  great  care. 

had  come 


TOLD  TUK  8T0RV  OF  MY  WH0NG3. 


k 


109 

dense  w :!  ^  I  'r;'' '"  'r  "'^'"■- ''"' 

the  woodman',  ax    „"    ,  "  "'^  "  ""  "'"'"  "' 

villages  worn  »  '"  "'"^"""'  flourishing 

">i33ionsociet,:::r::':,;~ir"^"""- 

association    of    hum.„„>        ,  "^  "'^ "" 

whose  object  t  i;,;""  """'"■^'™'  «™"--' 

held  in  bondage  tL  12  1 1'°  ""  '"'^^""^ 
-pie;  andablLoui  ,  :l;5  "f  ="'<='^  -- 
who  needed  it     Tho   1  ^   ■^''^  '"  "-^'^^  *«« 

000  of  the  mL  ""™"'''  J°'">  C.  Spencer, 

"  "I  tne  most  ommoiit  liiwvors  in  to-„  .       „ 

^f  ■  --~„se,forthat'^i:;'^^*™  ''^'' 

i  soon  got  an  interview  with  M-  ;ir 
'elated  the  history  of  my     ff    f"'' '°  *'"'"»  ^ 

wrongs  and  hardslis/xTldSm:  T'  °'  "^ 
been  hired  out  by  Cant  Tr  ,  '""',''''°'"  my  haying 

-^cienttoinsulXJi'on;'^^"'''- 
leaped  at  the  thought^    Su,  ?  "^  "^  '""'''* 

heayed  with  a  mighty  th^i"  .      '  .''*""'■  "^  '''•«-' 

hardly  refrain  from  ^t  irr'"  """^  ^  '=°""' 
at  his  feet-   and  J    P'-^,""' '""''J  o^"  filing  down 

'*rousd:miS^:,t;;^'--de3ome 

Idnd  gentleman  continued  hi"^o?  '"''  "°*  ">« 
direction.  WuversaUon  in  another 


110 


THOUGHTS  ON  FREEDOM. 


He  said  tliat  indispensable  business  called  him  to 
Albany,  where  ho  must  go  immediately,  but  assured 
me  that  he  would  return  in  March  following ;  then  I 
must  come  to  him  and  lie  would  see  that  I  had  what 
justly  belonged  to  me — my  freedom  from  Slavery. 
He  advised  me  to  return  to  Bath  and  go  on  with  my 
work  as  usual  until  March,  but  to  say  nothing  of  my 
intentions  and  prospects.  I  returned  according  to  his 
directions,  with  a  heart  so  light,  that  I  could  not 
realize  that  my  bonds  were  not  yet  broken,  nor  the 
yoke  removed  from  off  my  neck.  I  was  already  free 
in  spirit,  and  I  silently  exulted  in  the  bright  prospect 
of  liberty. 

Could  my  master  have  felt  what  it  was  to  be  relieved 
of  such  a  crushing  weight,  as  the  one  which  was  but 
partially  lifted  from  my  mind,  he  would  have  been  a 
happier  man  than  ho  had  been  for  a  long  time. 

I  went  cheerfully  back  to  my  labor,  and  worked 
with  alacrity,  impatient  only  for  March  to  come;  and 
as  the  time  drew  near  I  began  to  consider  what  kind 
of  an  excuse  I  could  make  to  get  away.  I  could 
think  of  none,  but  I  determined  to  go  without  one, 
rather  than  to  remain. 

Just  before  the  time  appointed  for  mf  to  meet 
Mr.  Moore,  a  slave  girl  named  Milly,  came  secretly  to 
Bath.  She  had  been  one  of  Capt.  Helm's  slaves,  and 
he  had  a  while  before  sold  her  to  a  man  who  lived 
sorae  distauce  west  of  tho  village.     Milly  had  now 


ii 


t 


SLAVE  GIRL  MILLY  RUNS  AWAY. 


Ill 


Jled  liim  to 
but  assured 
'iug ;  then  I 
I  had  what 
)m  Slavery, 
on  with  my 
hing  of  my 
rding  to  his 
[  could  not 
:en,  nor  the 
already  free 
^ht  prospect 

)  "be  relieved 
ch  was  but 
lave  been  a 
ime. 

,nd  worked 
I  come ;  and 
■  what  kind 
f.  I  could 
ithout  one, 

ti(  to  meet 
I  secretly  to 
slaves,  and 
who  lived 
y  had  now 


taken  the  matter  into  her  own  hands.  She  had  left 
her  master  to  take  care  of  himself,  and  was  in  short, 
"running  away,"  determined  as  myself,  that  she 
would  be  a  slave  no  longer;  resolved  on  death,  or 
freedom  from  the  power  of  the  slaveholder. 

The  time  I  had  set  for  my  departure  was  so  near  at 
hand,  that  I  concluded  to  accompany  her  in  her  flight. 
Wlien  the  dark  night  came  on,  we  started  together, 
and  traveled  all  night,  and  just  as  the  day  dawned 
we  arrived  at  Manchester,  where  we  stopped  a  short 
time  with  one  Thomas  Watkins. 

But  I  was  not  to  be  let  go  so  easily.  I  had  been 
missed  at  Capt.  Helm's,  and  several  men  started  in 
immediate  pursuit.  I  was  weary,  and  so  intent  on 
getting  a  little  rest  that  1  did  not  see  my  pursuers 
until  they  had  well  nigh  reached  the  house  where  I 
was ;  but  I  did  see  them  in  time  to  spring  from  the 
house  with  the  agility  of  a  deer,  and  to  run  for  the 
woods  as  for  life.  And  indeed,  I  so  considered  it.  I 
was  unarmed  to  be  sure,  and  not  prepared  to  defend 
myself  against  two  or  three  men,  armed  to  the  teeth; 
but  it  would  have  gone  hard  with  me  before  I  surren- 
dered myself  to  them,  after  having  dreamed  as  I 
had,  and  anticipated  the  blessings  of  a  free  man.  I 
escaped  them,  thank  God,  and  reached  the  wooda, 
where  I  concealed  myself  for  some  time,  and  where  I 
had  ample  opportunitv  to  reflect  on  ths  ini'iisfiVA  ond 
crueltj^  of  my  oppressors,  and  to  aak  myself  why  it 


iJ 


118 


THOUGHTS  ON  FREEDOM, 


I  ibat  I  was  obliged  to  fly  from  my  home.  Why 
■w&atth^fB  panting  and  weary,  hung-  '^  and  destitute — 
skulking  iu  tfJie  woods  like  a  thief,  and  concealing 
myself  like  a  murderer?  What  had  I  done?  For 
wliat  fault,  or  for  what  crime  was  I  pursued  by  armed 
men,  and  hunted  like  a  beast  of  prey  ?  God  only 
knows  how  these  inquiries  harrowed  up  my  very  soul, 
and  made  me  well  nigh  doubt  the  justice  and  mercy 
of  the  Almighty,  until  I  remembered  my  narrow 
escape,  when  my  doubts  dissolved  in  grateful  tears. 

But  why,  oh  why,  had  I  been  forced  to  flee  thus 
from  my  fellow  men?     I  was  guilty  of  no  crime;  I 
had  committed  no  violence ;  I  had  broken  no  law  of 
the  land ;  I  was  not  charged  even  with  a  fault,  except 
of  the  love  of  h'berty  and  a  desire  to  be  free  I    I  had 
claimed  the  right  to  possess  my  own  person,  and 
remove  it  from  oppression.     Oh  my  God,  thought  I, 
can  the  American  People,  who  at  this  very  hour  are 
pouring  out  their  blood  in  defence  of  their  country's 
liberty;  offering  up  as  a  sacrifice  on  the  battle  field 
their  promising  young  men,  to  preserve  their  land  and 
hearthstones    fi-om    English    oppression;    can    they, 
will  they,  continue  to  hunt  the  poor  African  slave 
from  their  soil  because  he  desires  that  same  liberty,  so 
dear  to  the  heart  of  eveiy  American  citizen  ?    Will 
they  not  bi  '  out  from  their  fair  escutcheon  the  foul 
stain  which  Si-     t;  ha^s  cast  upon  it?    Will  they  not 
remember  tl: .  t'   ;t}  vn  bondman,  in  whom  the  love 


3me.  Why 
1  destitute — 
i  concealing 
done  ?  For 
ed  by  armed 
'  God  only 
ay  very  soul, 
J  and  mercy 

my  narrow 
jful  tears, 
to  flee  thus 
Qo  crime;  I 
a  no  law  of 
fault,  except 
reef  I  had 
person,  and 
,  thought  I, 
ry  hour  are 
sir  country's 

battle  field 
sir  land  and 

can  they, 
frican  slave 
3  liberty,  so 
sen?  Will 
jon  the  foul 
ill  they  not 
•m  the  love 


MADE  MY  ESCAPE,   BUT  WAS  PUKSITED.         118 

of  freedom  is  as  inherent  as  in  themselves;  and  will 
they  not,  when  contending  for  equal  rights,  use  their 
mighty  forces  "to  break  every  yoke,  and  let  the 
oppressed  go  free  ?  "     G')d  grant  that  it  may  be  so  I 

As  soon  ar.  I  thovi'Tlit  it  prudent,  I  pursued  my 

j(jurney,  and  finally  came  out  into  tlie  open  country, 

near  the  du'elling  of  Mr.  Dennis  Comstock,  who,  as  I 

have  said,  was  president  of  the  Manumission  Society. 

To  him  I  freely  described  my  situation,  and  found 

him  a  friend  indeed.     He  expressed  his  readiness  to 

assist  me,  and  wrote  a  line  for  me  to  take  to  his 

brother,  Otis  Comstock,  who  took  me  into  his  family 

at  once.     I  hired  to  Mr.  Comstock  for  tlie  season,  and 

from  that  time  onward  lived  with  him  nearly  four 

years. 

When  I  arrived  there  I  was  about  twenty-two  years 
of  age,  and  felt  for  the  first  time  in  my  life,  that  I  was 
my  own  master.    I  cannot  describe  to  a  free  man,  what 
.a  proud  manly  feeling  came  over  me  when  I  hired 
to  Mr.  C.  and  made  my  first  bargain,  nor  when  I 
Assumed  the  dignity  of  collecting  my  own  earnings. 
fNotwithstanding  I  was    rery  happy  in  my  freedom 
from  S]  .-'(iy,  and  had  a  good  home,  where  for  the 
;  first  time  in  my  life  I  was  allowed  to  sit  at  table  with 
others,  yet  I  found  myself  very  deficient  in  almost 
every  thing  which  I  should  have  learned  when  a  boy. 
These  and  other  recollections  of  the  past  often  sad- 
dened my  spirit;  but  Ao^,-<jheering  and  bright,  was 


I 


114 


THOUGHTS  ON  FREEDOM. 


now  mine,  and  it  lighted  up  the  future  and  gave  me 
patience  to  persevere. 

In  the  autumn  when  the  farm  work  was  done,  I 
called  on  Mr.  Comstock  for  some  money,  and  the  first 
thing  I  did  after  receiving  it  I  went  to  Canandaigua 
where  I  found  a  book-store  kept  by  a  man  named 
J.  D.  Bemis,  and  of  him  I  purchased  some  school 
books. 

No  king  on  his  throne  could  feel  prouder  or  grander 
than  J  did  that  day.  With  my  books  under  my  arm, 
and  money  of  my  own  earning  in  my  pocket,  I  stepped 
loftily  along  toward  Farmington,  where  I  determined 
to  attend  the  Academy.  The  thought,  however,  that 
though  I  was  twenty-three  years  old,  I  had  yet  to 
learn  what  most  boys  of  eight  years  knew,  was  rather 
a  damper  on  my  spirits.  The  school  was  conducted 
by  Mr.  J.  Comstock,  who  was  a  pleasant  young  man 
and  an  excellent  teacher.  He  showed  me  every  kind- 
ness and  consideration  my  position  and  ignorance 
demanded;  and  I  attended  his  school  three  winters, 
with  pleasure  and  profit  to  myself  at  least. 

When  I  had  been  with  Mr.  Comstock  about  a  year, 
■we  received  a  visit  from  my  old  master,  Capt.  Helm, 
who  had  spared  no  pains  to  find  me,  and  when  he 
learned  where  I  was  he  came  to  claim  me  as  "  his 
boy,"  who,  he  said  he  "  wanted  and  must  have." 

Mr.  Comstock  told  him  I  was  not  "  his  boy,"  and  as 
such  he  would  not  give  me  up ;  and  f-irther,  that  I  waa 


m 


m. 

;ure  and  gave  me 

ork  was  done,  I 
ley,  and  the  first 
t  to  Canandaigiia 
)y  a  man  named 
3ed  some  school 

•ouder  or  grander 
s  under  my  arm, 
pocket,  I  stepped 
ere  I  determined 
it,  however,  that 
Id,  I  had  yet  to 
cnew,  was  rather 
I  was  conducted 
Lsant  young  man 
L  me  every  kind- 
and  ignorance 
)1  three  winters, 
least. 

ck  about  a  year, 
iter,  Capt.  Helm, 
le,  and  when  he 
aim  me  as  "his 
lust  have." 
his  boy,"  and  as 
irther,  that  I  waa 


CAPT.  H.  SURBENDEBS  ALL  CLAIM  TO  ME.      llo 

free  by  the  laws  of  the  State.  He  assured  the  Captain 
that  his  hiring  me  out  in  the  first  instance,  to  Mr. 
Tower,  forfeited  his  claim  to  me,  and  gave  me  a  right 
to  freedem,— but  if  he  chose  to  join  issue,  they  would 
have  the  case  tried  in  the  Supreme  Court;  but  this 
proposition  the  Captain  declined:  he  knew  well 
enough  that  it  would  result  in  my  favor;  and  aftei 
some  flattery  and  coaxing,  he  left  me  with  my  friend, 
Mr.  Comstock,  in  liberty  and  peace  I 


'jaear 


CHAPTEE    XII. 


,        CAPT.   HELM— DIVOECE— KIDNAPPING. 

THE  business  aifairs  of  Capt.  Helm  had  for  some 
time  been  far  from  prosperous ;  and  now  he  was 
quite  poor.    His  slave  property  proved  a  bad  invest- 
ment, and  Madam  Thornton  a  far  worse  one.     She 
had  already  applied  for  a  divorce,  and  a  good  share  of 
the  estate  as  alimony;  both  of  which  she  succeeded  in 
getting,  the  Captain  allowing  her  to  take  pretty  much 
her  own  course.      These  troubles,  with  costs  of  law- 
suits, bad  management,  &c.,  had  now  emptied  the 
coffers  of  my  old  master  almost  to  the  last  farthing ; 
and  he  began  to  cast  about  him  for  some  way  to 
replenish  his  purse,  and  retrieve  his  fallen  fortunes. 

Had  Capt.  Helm  been  brought  up  to  honorable 
industry,  and  accustomed  to  look  after  his  own  pecun- 
iary interests,  he  doubtless  would  ha^-e  sustained  his 
position ;  or  if  reverses  were  unadvoidable,  he  would 
have  by  persevering  industry,  regained  what  he  had 


II. 


)]SrAPPING. 

3lm  had  for  some 
;  and  now  he  was 
ved  a  bad  invest- 
worse  one.     She 
d  a  good  share  of 
I  she  succeeded  in 
take  pretty  much 
"ith  costs  of  law- 
low   emptied  the 
the  last  farthing ; 
for  some  way  to 
'alien  fortunes, 
up  to  honorable 
jr  his  own  pecun- 
I'^e  sustained  his 
)idable,  he  would 
led  what  he  had 


CAPT.  HELM  BECOHES  A  KIDNAPPER.  U7 

Whom  pnncplea  were  as  deeply  i„,,ti,led  int    his 
a^ll^r" —'--■"«  on  HsHfe 

wes.  reduced  ll:::::lTo:m1X^^^ 

^JZCn7      '"  "'^^  8*™°  '"'"  *e  hand, 
Ih  f  '  overseer-while  they,  half  fed,  half 

0  hed,  grew  more  and  more  diseontented,  and  ran 
'™f  o"  overy  opportunity  that  offered. 

The  Captain  at  last  hit  upon  a  method  of  mokin. 
,     ney,  wluoh,  if  it  had  been  earxied  into  operation  on° 
jha  I ngh  seas,  wonld  in  all  probability  have  been 
^ned  by  .^  right  name,  and  incurred  the  penalty    ^ 
he  gallows-as  piracy.    Ought  it  then  to  be  deemed 
»  cnmmal  because  transpiring  on  the  free  soil  of"he 
-encan  Republic?    I  think  not.    Nor  was  it  li 
insurable  on  account  of  its  failure 
The  Captain's  plan  was  to  collect  all  the  slaves 

jfi'^aK.thishell^Lti!^"     ™'""'^*-    ''"•'^ 
'  recourse  to  stratagem    Z  """^"^  '°  ^^^^ 

Jure  .he   -,'*"'■  P'""""  ""='  '«'  '■°»"d  «« 

|--e  .l.e   _u.peetmg  slaves  into  the  net  he  was 


118  CAPT..  fliilLM— DIVORCE — KIDNAPPING. 

spreading  for  them.  At  last  he  found  a  scoundrel 
named  Simon  Watkins,  who  for  the  consideration  of 
fifty  dollars,  was  to  collect  as  many  of  the  slaves  as  he 
could  at  one  place ;  and  when  he  had  done  so,  he  was 
to  receive  the  money,  leaving  Capt.  Helm  to  do  the 
rest. 

Simon  set  immediately  about  the  business,  which 
was  first  to  go  to  Palmyra,  and  in  great  kindness  and 
generosity,  give  a  large  party  to  the  colored  people,— 
desiring  that  all  Capt.  Helm's  former  slaves,  in  par- 
ticular, should  be  present  to  have  a  joyous  re-union, 
and .  celebrate  their  freedom  in  having  a  fine  time 
generally. 

Invitations  were  sent  to  all,  and  extensive  prepar- 
ation made  for  a  large  "social  party,"  at  Palmyra,  at 
the  house  of  Mrs.  Bristol.  My  parents  were  invited: 
and  Simon  took  the  pains  to  come  to  Farmington  to 
give  me  a  special  invitation.  When  the  time  arrived 
for  the  party,  I  went  to  Palmyra  with  the  intention 
of  attending.  I  had  not  the  least  suspicion  of  any 
thing  wrong;  yet,  by  some  mysterious  providence,  or 
something  for  which  I  can  not  account,  a  presentiment 
took  possession  of  my  mind  that  all  was  not  right.  I 
knew  not  what  I  feared,  and  could  in  no  way  define 
my  apprehensions;  but  I  grew  so  uneasy,  that  T 
finally  gave  up  the  party  and  returned  home,  before  j 
the  guests  were  assembled.  '      [ 

~"x "!i  ttiivi  lixa  acBiDLanis  cainu  on  lo  raimyra 


NAPPING. 

iund  a  scoundrel 
:  consideration  of 
f  the  slaves  as  he 
I  done  so,  he  was 
Helm  to  do  the 

business,  which 
eat  kindness  and 
solored  people, — 
3r  slaves,  in  par- 
joyous  re-union, 
ing  a  fine  time 

xtensive  prepar- 
"  at  Palmyra,  at 
ts  were  invited ; 
»  Farmington  to 
the  time  arrived 
th  the  intention 
luspicion  of  any 
s  providence,  or 
t,  a  presentiment 
ras  not  right.  I 
n  no  way  define 
uneasy,  that  T 
ed  home,  before 

on  to  Palmyra 


4 
1 

FIGHT  BETWEEN  SLAVES  AND  »f,D.VAPPER3.    119 

i"  disg^e,  before  evening,  a.d  secreted  themselves  in 

one  of  the  hotels  to  await  the  arrival  of  their  victims. 

^     At  the  appointed  hour  the  slaves  began  to  assemble 

im  large  numbers  and  great  glee,  without  the  least 

jsuspicon  of  danger.    They  soon  began  their  amuse- 

mente,  and  m  the  midst  of  their  mirth,  Capt.  Helm 

sT™  "T.T'f ^  ™'" '""  *«'^  '^'^-s  pi*-  -<3 

surrounded  the  house;  then  bursting  in  suddenly  upon 
jthe  revelers,  began  to  make  arrests.  Such  a  tumul^ 
buch  an  affray  as  ensued  would  be  hard  to  describe. 

J^  r!  'T*"  ^°'  *'^"^  '^''  '"'d  their  hberty, 
^d  the  Oaptam's  party  for  their  property  and  power! 
F^^  clubs,  Chan.,  and  any  thing  they  could  get  hold 
rf,  was  freely  used  with  a  strength  and  will  of  men 
rto  had  tested  the  joys  of  freedom.  Cries  and  curses 
.ere  mingled,  while  blows  fell  like  hail  on  both  sides. 

f  bold  defiance  on  the  part  of  the  negroes,  until 

teT         J'''°^PP^'^  --  gM  to  desi  t,  and 
,     ere^dnven  off-not  stealthUy  as  they  came,  b;*  in 

tte  threatened  vengeance  of  the  slaves,  who  drove 

•  f^™^  *«■"  ^^  '^J  fether     He  waa  ta,ken  to  hi 
home,  mangled  and  blc.d.ng,  and  from  the  effect  of 

1:S?.t''^,''-<'--°vercd,     He  linj 
"  '°=""  ''^"*  ™'"  death  finally  releawd'him 


120  CAPT.  HELM— DIVORCE— KIDNAPPING 

from  soffering,  and  placed  him  beyond  the  reach  of 
Iddnappers  and  tyrants. 

The  Captain  and  his  party,  enraged  and  disap- 
pomted  in  their  plans  at  Palmyra,  returned  to  Bath  to 
see  what  could  be  done  there  toward  success,  in  getting 
up  a  gang  of  slaves  for  the  Southern  market.    When 
they  came  among  the  colored  people  of  Bath,  it  was 
like  a  hawk  alighting  among  a  flock  of  chickens  at 
noon-day.     They  scattered  and  ran  in  every  direction, 
some^  to  the  woods,  some  hid  themselves  in  cellars,' 
and  others  in  their  terror  plunged  into  the  Conhocton 
Eiver.    In  this  manner  the  majority  of  the  negroes 
escaped,  but  not  all ;  and  those  were  so  unfortunate  as 
to  get  caught  were  instantly  thrown  into  a  large 
covered    "Pennsylvania   wagon,"  and    hurried    off, 
closely  guarded,  to  Olean  Point.    Among  those  taien 
were   Harry   Lucas,   his    wife,  Lucinda,  and    seven 
children ;  Mrs.  Jane  Cooper  and  four  children,  with 
some  others,  were  also  taken. 

When  Capt.  Helm  arrived  at  Olean  Point  with  his 
stolen  freight  of  human  beings,  he  was  unexpectedly 
detained  until  he  could  build  a  boat,— which,  to  his 
great  dismay  took  him  several  days. 

The  sorrow  and  fearliil  apprehension  of  those 
wretched  recaptured  slaves  can  not  be  described  nor 
imagined  by  any  one  except  those  who  have  experj- 
enced  a  like  aflfliction.  They  had  basked  for  a  short 
season  in  the  sunshine  of  libertv.  anrl  th^nn-l,*  ih^^. 


)NAPPING 

'ond  the  reach  of 

raged  and  disap- 
sturned  to  Bath  to 
success,  in  getting 
I  market.    When 
ie  of  Bath,  it  was 
3k  of  chickens  at 
a  every  direction, 
iselves  in  cellars, 
to  the  Conhocton 
;y  of  the  negroes 
so  unfortunate  as 
?vn  into  a  large 
ud    hurried    off, 
Qong  those  taken 
nda,  and    seven 
ir  children,  with 

1  Point  with  his 
as  unexpectedly 
, — which,  to  his 

nsion  of  those 
e  described  nor 
10  have  experj- 
jked  for  a  short 

t.nrmrrlif   i\\ar<n- 


MOAPTrBED  SLATES  RESIST.  121 

.elves  secure  from  the  iron  grasp  of  Slavery,  and  the 
heel  of  the  oppressor,  when  in  the  height  of  their 
exultation,  they  had  been  thrust  down  (»  the  lowest 
depths  of  misery  and  despair,  with  the  oppressor's 
heel  again  upon  their  neoks.    To  be  snatched  without 
a  moment's  warning  from  their  homes  and  friends,- 
hurried  and  crowded  into  the  close  slave  wagon, 
regardless  of  age  or  sex,  like  sheep  for  the  slaughter 
[to  be  ™  they  knew  not  whither;  bu,,  doubtles^ 
to  the  drsmal  nee  swamp  of  the  South,-was  to  them 
N  agony  too  great  for  endurance.    The  adult  portion 
of  the  miserable  company  determined  at  last  to  go  no 

death  ,f  need  be,  before  they  surrendered  themselves 
to  ae  galling  chains  they  had  so  recently  broken,  or 
wnthed  again  under  the  torturing  lash  of  the  shve- 

Harry  Lueas  and  wife,  and  Jane  Cooper,  silently 
prepared  themselves  for  the  eonilict,  determin  d  to^U 
then-  lives  as  dearly  a.  possible.      When  they  w'e 

hen  when  the  men  undertook  to  get  Lucas  and  the 

^  women  fought  the  Captain  and  his  confederates 
yhke  a^lioness  robbed  of  her  whelpsi    Thev  It^ 
feuodgea  about,  making  the  woods  ring  with  "th;ir' 
Jr 


m         OAPT.  HELH-wvoBCE-KIDNAPPma. 

hTT  r^*"'"'  °^  "^"^^' '  Murder  I  Help  I 
Help,  Murder,"  «,«  the  Captain's  party,  fZi 
they  could  do  nothing  to  quell   them    1,  ^ 

exeppri;n„i„  „i  o   "^  <iueu  tnem,  became  so 

their  .llegal  proceeding.,,  that  they  ran  off  at  full 
speed,  as  ,f  they  thought  an  officer  at  their  LS 
In  their  huiry  and  fright  they  caught  two  of  Hai^yt 

a.  qmek  a.  possible,  amid  the  redoubled  cries  of  the 
^goni^ed  parents  and  sympathising  friends,  aU  try  ' 

=.    J  J  .  eS'Jdren.      Guns  were  fired   and   horns 

ounded,  but  all  to  no  purpose-they  held  tightly! 

.nnoc^ms  of  their  cupidity,  and  ml  ^^ 

Mr  T)   n 
=f    A      '     ' ""  eentleman  of  wealth  and  high 

the  fifty  dollars  which  Capt.  Helm  promLd  to  pay 
Smion  Watkins  for  his  villany  in  betraying,  JudaslT 
those  unsuspecting  pe„ons  whom  it  should  havTbeen 
h^  pleasure  to  protect  and  defend  against  thjr  ^m 
monoppressor,-his  own  as  well  as  theirs 
ii  addition  to  this  rascality,  it  can  not  appear  very 

Capt.  Helm  and  Thom.-^  McBirney  should  both  hold 

they  had  been  tried  and  convicted  of  the  crime  of 


APPING. 

furder  I    Help  I 
's  party,  seeing 
3m,   became  so 
be  detected  in 
ran  off  at  full 
at  their  heels, 
two  of  Harry's 
oat,  pushed  off 
ed  cries  of  the 
nds,  all  trying 
the  merciless 
rightened  and 
d    and    horns 
3ld  tightly  the 
d  made  good 

1th  and  high 
Jsponsible  for 
raised  to  pay 
g,  Judas-like, 
Id  have  been 
'■St  their  com- 


CAPT.  HELM  CONVICTKD  OF  KIDNAPPING.       123 

kidnapping.  Both  of  these  gentlemen,  guilty  of  a 
State's  prison  offence,  were  judges  of  the  common 
pleas  T.  McBirnoy  was  first  judge  in  the  county, 
and  Capt.  Helm  was  side  judge;  and  notwithstanding 
their  participation  in,  and  conviction  of,  a  flagrant 
outrage  on  the  laws  of  God  and  man,  they  managed 
not  only  to  escape  the  penalty,  but  to  retain  their 
offices  and  their  rospcctablo  standing  in  community 
for  years  after. 


appear  very 
I!ounty,  that 
d  both  hold 
3,  and  afler 
16  crime  of 


CHAPTER    XIII. 


lOOATE  IN  TBE  VILLAOK  OF  ROCHESTER. 
J  CONTINUED  to  labor  i„  the  employ  of  Mr  0 

tne  year  1816,  and  purchased  a  farm  on  the  „>.  „<•  *k 
present  flourishing  villaeo  of  r..v     V 
-ved  his  famil/alrXl  ;?r'  *°  """^  "" 
supposition  that  the  Erie  S  1   .        \"'''^™ 
contemplation,  .ould  ^ T^ ^uir  2^ te' 

proved      mme  of  wealth  to  the  more  fortunate  pur- 

passed  through  the  village  oft^t  ^ ""J'  ^^ 
never  before  qp^n      t*  >  ""-      x  uaa 

ueiore  seen.    It  was  a  verv  smnll  f^r,\.-jj- 

surrounded  by  a  dense  forest. 
I  recolleet  that  while  pu^ubg  my  journey,  I  over- 


ESTER. 

yy  of  Mr.  0. 
tried  duii}i^r 
le  site  of  the 
io  which  he 
a  mistaken 
then  under 
■n  route,  he 
,  which  has 
tunate  pur- 

by  my  em- 
oduce,  and 
i'-'  I  had 
forbidding 
tants,  and 

y?  I  over- 


DEATH  OP  FATHER  IN   PALMFRA.     125 

took  a  white  man  driving  a  snon  nf  i, 

tended  ihni  t  i,  ^  ^      ^      °^  ^^^^'^^^^  who  con- 

ance  and  iadignation    rp,  •  '  ^  """"'^  *^  "^^  ^'^noy- 
incident  ind  ^ J Sj":,*"™'  f  »  »%»» 

-  seeded  .o  .e!  .J^,  ^^  wIT' 
industrious  he  mWlif  Ko  ^^o  matter  how 

"nigg.V  .nd  =.  Lh  he  irri^     T  " 
few  honoraWo  exceptions  ^''''''  *'*  " 

i^i.  .^r^H- n  trver::r  ?■ ''"-^'^^ 

After  about  ..  .o„,hs  sev  e  J^TLT^^^^^^ 
With  coromendihl^  r^.+•  ^^^ness  which  he  bore 

--ned  Jtf  r^.Ttr-  '■'^^'''■^' 
friends  and  bereaved  famil';  ,'  °^  ^  *'™"'°g 
their  final  abode  7^  f"™'?  Allowed  his  remains  to 

fro^unre^iliVlt^'"^""^^^' 
t%  who  are  in  their  J^ZlTT"'""'  ""'"'  """ 
the  Son  of  God  and  If!  w  !  ^""'  *"  ^"<«  ^^ 
-here  the  "^1^1  ,'"  ^'^' ''™  '^"'^^-." 

«nd  where  tl  IT  ^Z       !  "P"'  ^°""  "^  ""  ^^^es"!        . 

thed:;::stt::ter;irr""°"-^-' 

fi,«  „^„-.    « masters  fjown,  but  fre^W  i^;^  ,-_ 


fl 


;.Gxig  or  -Alleluia I    The  Tr^.A  n  :,  ^'''  ''' 
reignethi"  ^"""^^  ^^^  Omnipotent 


I 


12Q      LOCATE  IX  THE  VILLAGE  OP  ROCHESTER. 

My  father  had  a  good  reputation  for  honesty  and 
uprightness  of  character  among  his  employers  and 
acquaintances,  and  was  a  kind,  affectionate  husband 
and  a  fond,  indulgent  parent.  His,  I  believe  was  the 
life  and  death  of  a  good  man.  "Peace  be  to  his 
ashes." 

The  following  season  I  commenced  a  new  business — 
that  of  peddling  in  the  village  of  Eochester  such 
articles  as  my  employer,  Mr.  Comstock,  desired  to  sell: 
the  products  of  his  farm,— wheat,  corn,  oats,  butter, 
cheese,  meat,  and  poultry— all  of  which  met  a  ready 
sale,  generally  for  cash  at  liberal  prices.  That  market 
was  then  but  little  known  to  the  generality  of  farmers, 
and  the  enterprising  gentlemen  of  that  place,  were 
desirous  of  encouraging  commerce  with  the  surround- 
ing country,  offered  every  encouragement  in  their 
power.  Hence,  we  found  it  a  profitable  business, 
which  I  continued  in  for  several  months. 

The  present  flourishing  city  of  Eochester  was  then, 
as  I  have  said,  but  a  village  in  its  infancy,  situated 
near  the  upper  falls  of  the  Genesee  Eiver,  and  about 
seven  miles  from  its  mouth.  Here,  some  time  pre- 
viously, three  gentlemen  from  Maryland  bought  a 
large  tract  of  land,  and  as  no  business  man  could  fail 
to  observe  and  appreciate  its  rare  advantages  they 
commenced  laying  out  a  village.  Sirs  Fitzhugh,  Car- 
roll,  and  Eochester,  composed  the  company ;  but  the 
management  of  the  business  devolved  idmost  wholly 


TER. 


PEDDLE  PRODUCE  IN  POCnESTER. 


127 


Dnesty  and 
loycrs  and 
e  liusband 
ve  was  the 
be  to  his 

business — 
ester  such 
•ed  to  sell : 
its,  butter, 
3t  a  ready 
lat  market 
of  farmers, 
)lace,  were 

surround- 
t  in  their 

business, 

was  then, 
y,  situated 
and  about 
time  pre- 
bought  a 
could,  fail 
ages  they 
lugh,  Car- 
T ;  but  the 
)st  wholly 


on  Col.  Rochester,  whose  wealth,  enterprise,  and  intel- 
ligence well  qualified  him  for  the  undertaking ;  and 
as  it  had  been  assigned  him  to  cognominate  the  new 
village,  I  have  heard  it  said  that  he  jocularly  gave  his 
reason  for  selecting  its  present  title,  as  follows: 
"Should  he  call  it  Fitzhuyh  or  Carroll,  the  slighted 
gentleman  would  certainly  feel  offended  with  the 
other;  but  if  he  called  it  by  his  own  name,  they  would 
most  likely  both  be  angry  with  him ;  so  it  was  best  to 
serve  them  alike." 

There  was  then  two  grist  mills, — one  owned  by  Mr. 
Ely,  and  the  other  by  Mr.  Brown ;  one  small  building 
for  religious  worship,  occupied  by  the  Presbyterians 
on  Carroll  street  (now  State  street) ;  and  but  two  stone 
buildings  within  what  now  comprises  that  beautiful 
city.  There  were  then  no  brick  buildings  at  all,  but 
business  was  good;  merchants  and  mechanics  from 
the  East  soon  began  to  settle  there  and  give  it  a  thriv- 
ing aspect. 

About  this  time  another  company  was  formed, 
whoso  moving  spirit  was  Mr.  E.  Stone,  a  man  of 
worth  and  talent;  the  object  of  which  was  to  locate 
another  village  at  the  head  of  navigation  and  about 
half  way  between  the  mouth  of  the  river  and  Roches- 
ter, which  they  called  Carthage. 

The  company  commenced  building  and  improving 
the  place  so  rapidly,  that  many  who  came  to  purchase 
residences  and  businea'^  stetions  v/ero  at  a  loss  to  decide 


■a 


; 


128      LOCATE  IN  THE  VILLAGE  OF  ROCHESTER.        ' 

which  of  the  two  places  would  finally  become  the 
center  of  business.    It,  however,  was  soon  perceivable 
that  the  advantage  of  water  privileges,  stone,  and 
access  to  both,  was  greatly  in  favor  of  Eochester.    At 
Carthage  the  Genesee  is  narrow  and  its  banks  steep 
and  abrupt,  rising  in  many  places  three  hundred  feet 
above  the  bed  of  the  river,  which  of  course  render 
the  privileges  and  business  on  it  far  less  easv  of 
access  for  building  purposes.    I  may  have  occasion  to 
speak  hereafter  of  the  expensive  and   magnificent 
bridge  at  Carthage,  which  was  the  wonder  and  admir- 
ation  of  the  times. 

The  following  year  I  concluded  to  go  into  business 
for  myself,  and  was  as  much  at  loss  as  others, 
whether  to  locate  at  Eochester  or  Carthage;  but 
after  considering  the  matter  in  all  its  bearings,  and 
closely  watching  the  progress  of  events,  my  choice 
preponderated  in  favor  of  Eochester,  and  to  that  place 
I  went,  designing  to  enter  into  business  on  my  own 
account. 

It  was  indeed  painful  to  my  feelings  to  leave  the 
home  and  family  of  Mr.  Comstock,  where  I  had 
experienced  so  much  real  comfort  and  happiness, 
where  I  had  ever  been  treated  with  uniform  Idndness' 
where  resided  those  kind  friends  to  whom  I  felt  under 
the  greatest  obligation  for  the  freedom  and  quietude  ] 
then  enjoyed,  as  well  as  for  the  Httle  knowledge  of 
business  and  of  the  world  tliat  I  then  Dossessed. 


ESTER.        ' 

become  the 
1  perceivable 
,  stone,  and 
3liester.  At 
banks  steep 
Lundred  feet 
>urse  render 


MYSTERIOUS  DEATH. 


129 


;ss 


easy  of 


!  occasion  to 

magnificent 

and  admir- 

ito  business 
as  others, 
hage ;  but 
irings,  and 
my  choice 
>  that  place 
n  my  own 

leave  the 
ere  I  had 
happiness, 
L  Idndness, 

felt  under 
quietude  1 
wledge  of 
Dossessed., 


Thinking,  hoTvever,  that  I  could  better  my  condition, 
I  subdued,  as  well  as  I  could,  my  rising  emotions,  and 
after  sincerely  thanking  them  for  their  goodness  and 
favors— wishing  them  long  life  and  prosperity,— I  took 
my  departure  for  the  chosen  place  of  my  destination,  i 
Soon  after  I  left  Mr.  Comstock's,  that  gentleman 
sent  his  hired  man,  named  John  Cline,  to  Eochester 
with  a  wagon  load  of  produce  to  sell,  as  had  been  his 
custom  for  some  time.    In  vain  the  fiimily  looked  for 
his  return  at  the  usual  hour  in  the  evening,  and  began 
to  wonder  what  had  detained  him;  but  what  was  their 
horror  and  surprise  to  find,  when  they  arose  the  next 
morning,  the  horses  standing  at  the  door,  and  the  poor 
unfortunate  man  lying  in  the  wagon,  dead!     How 
long  they  had  been  there  nobody  knew;  no  one  had 
heard  them  come  in;   and  how  the  man  had  been 
killed  was  a  matter  of  mere  conjecture.     The  coroner 
was  sent  for  and  an  inquest  held,  and  yet  it  was  diffi- 
cult to  solve  the  whole  mystery. 

The  most  probable  explanation  was,  that  he  was 
sitting  in  the  back  part  of  the  wagon,  and  fell  over  on 
-is  left  side,  striking  his  neck  on  the  edge  of  the 
wagon  box,  breaking  it  instantly. 

The  verdict  of  the  jury  was,  in  accordance  with 
these  facts,  "accidental  death,"  &c. 

Wlien  I  left  Mr.  Comstock's  I  had  acquired  quite  a 
knowledge  of  reading,  writing,  arithmetic,  and  had 
made  a  Sinall  beginning  in  Jinglish  grammar. 


m 


130      LOCATE  IN  THE  VILLAGE  OF  ROCHESTER.     ' 

It  had  been  for  some  time  a  question  whicli  I  found 
hard  to  decide,  whether  or  not  I  should  pursue  my 
studies  as  I  had  done.    If  I  went  into  business  aa  I 
contemplated,  I  knew  it  would  end  my  proficiency 
in  the  sciences;  and  yet  I  felt  a  desire  to  accumu- 
late more  of  the  wealth  that  perisheth.    Considerin 
too  that  I  was  advancing  in  age,  and  had  no  means  of 
support  but  by  my  own  labor,  I  finally  concluded 
to  do  wh^t  I  have    from  that  time  to  this  deep- 
ly regretted,— give  up  the  pursuit  of  an  education, 
and    turn    my    attention    wholly   to   business.      I 
do  not  regret  having  desired  a  competency,  nor  for 
having  labored  to  obtain  it,  but  I  do  regret  not  having 
spared  myself  sufficient  leisure  to  pursue  some  regular 
system  of  reading  and  study ;  to  have  cultivated  my 
mind  and  stored  it  with  useful  knowledge. 

Truly  has  it  been  said,  "knowledge  is  power." 
But  it  is  not  like  the  withering  cujse  of  a  tyrant's 
power ;  not  like  the  degrading  and  brutalizing  power 
of  the  slave-driver's  lash,  chains,  and  thumb-screws ; 
not  like  the  beastly,  demonical  power  of  rum,  nor  like 
the  brazen,  shameless  power  of  lust;  but  a  power  that 
elevates  and  refines  the  intellect;  directs  the  affections; 
controls  unholy  passions;  a  power  so  God-like  in  its 
character,  that  it  enables  its  possessor  to  feel  for  the 
oppressed  of  every  clime,  and  prepares  him  to  defend 
the  weak  and  down-trodden. 
What  but  ignorance  reuders  the  poor  slave  so  weat 


"i  V 


ESTABLISH  A  MEAT  MABKET. 


181 


ive  so  weaJc 


and  inefficient  in  claiming  his  right  to  liberty,  and  the 
possession  of  his  own  being  I    Nor  will  that  God  who 
is  "no  respecter  of  persons,"  hold  him  guiltless  who 
assumes  unlimited  control  over  his  fellow.    The  chain 
of  Slavery  which  fetters  every  slave  south  of  Mason 
and  Dixon's  Line,  is  as  closely  linked  arounb  the  master 
as  the  slave.     The  time  has  passed  by  when  African 
blood  alone  is  enslaved.    In  Virginia  as  well  as  in 
some  other  slave  States,  there  is  as  much  European 
blood  in  the  veins  of  the  enslaved  as  there  is  African; 
and  the  increase  is  constantly  in  favor  of  the  white 
population.      This  fact  alone  speaks  volumes,   and 
should  remind  the  slave-breeding  Southerner  of  that 
fearfui  retribution  which  must  sooner  or  later  over- 
take  him. 

In  September,  1817,  I  commenced  business  in 
Rochester.  Having  rented  a  room  of  Mr.  A.  Wakely, 
I  established  a  meat  market,  which  was  supplied 
mostly  by  my  former  employer,  Mr.  Comstock,  and 
was  liberally  patronized  by  the  citizens;  but  there  were 
butchers  in  the  village  who  appeared  to  be  unwilling 
that  I  should  have  any  share  in  public  patronage. 
Sometimes  they  tore  down  my  sign,  at  others  painted 
It  black,  and  so  continued  to  annoy  me  until  after  I 
had  one  of  their  number  arrested,  which  put  a  stop  to 
their  unmanly  proceedings. 
The  village  was  now  rapidly  increasing,  and  yet  the 

SUrroundincr  nminfrTr  TTToc  , i.i_   -    _    •!  1 

-— _,  _^_.,.,.j,    „a3  iiivawy  ii  wiiaerneas.     Mr. 


132       LOCATE   IN  THE   VILLAGE  OF  ROCHESTER.    ' 

E.  Stone,  who  then  owned  the  land  on  the  east  side  of 
the  river,  thought  his  farm  a  very  poor  one;  he, 
however,  commenced  clearing  it  in  the  midst  of  wild 
beasts  and  rattlesnakes,  both  of  which  were  abundant, 
and  in  a  few  years  was  richly  rewarded  for  his  labor, 
in  the  sale  of  village  lots,  which  commanded  high 
prices. 

In  the  summer  of  1818,  I  commenced  teaching 
a  Sabb:.th  School  for  the  neglected  children  of  our 
oppressed  race.  For  a  while  it  was  well  attended,  and 
I  hopiid  to  be  able  to  benefit  in  some  measure  the  poor 
and  despised  colored  children,  but  the  parents  inter- 
ested themselves  very  little  in  the  undertaking,  and  it 
shortly  came  to  nought.  So  strong  was  the  prejudice 
then  existing  against  the  colored  people,  that  very  few 
of  the  negroes  seemed  to  have  any  courage  or  am- 
bition to  rise  from  the  abject  degradation  in  which  the 
estimation  of  the  white  man  had  placed  him. 

This  year,  also,  I  purchased  a  lot  of  land,  eighteen 
by  fifty  feet,  situated  on  Main  street,  for  which  I  was 
to  pay  five  hundred  dollars.  Having  secured  my 
land,  I  began  making  preparations  for  building,  and 
soon  had  a  good  two  story  dwelling  and  store,  into 
which  I  moved  my  effects,  and  commenced  a  more 
extensive  business. 

Some  disadvantage  as  well  as  sport  was  occasioned 
On  business  men,  who  resided  on  the  confines  of  On- 
tario and  Genesee  Counties.    It  was  indeed  laughable 


saasaiaMiaiiMB 


ITER. 

;ast  side  of 
•  one;  he, 
ist  of  wild 
abundant, 
his  labor, 
-nded  high 

i  teaching 
'en  of  our 
ended,  and 
re  the  poor 
enta  inter- 
ing,  and  it 
J  prejudice 
,t  very  few 
ge  or  am- 
which  the 
I. 

I,  eighteen 
lich  I  was 
icured  my 
Iding,  and 
store,  into 
d  a  more 

)ccasioned 
les  of  On- 
lauef-hable 


QUEER  FREAKS  OF  POOR  DEBTORS. 


133 


to  witness  the  races  and  manouvering  of  parties  in 
those  days  when  men  were  imprisoned  for  debt.  If  a 
man  in  Ontario  County  had  a  suspicion  that  an  officer 
was  on  his  track,  he  had  only  to  step  over  the  line  into 
Genesee,  to  be  beyond  the  po'wer  of  an  officer's 
precept. 

A  great  deal  of  trouble  as  well  as  unpleasant  feeling 
was  engendered  by  the  exercise  of  that  law,  which 
allowed    the  creditor  so  great  advantage  over  the 
debtor.     This,  together  with  the  fact  that  very  many 
of  the  citizens  of  Eochester  were  men  of  small  means, 
the  more  wealthy  portion  felt  called  upon  to  protect 
their  interests,  by  forming  themselves  into  what  was 
called  a  "Shylock  Society,"  the  object  of  which  was 
to  obtain  a  list  of  all  the  names  of  persons  who  had 
been,  or  were  then,  on  "the  limits"  for  debt.     This 
list  of  names  was  printed,  and  each  member  of  the 
society  furnished  with  a  copy,  which  enabled  him  to 
decide  whether  or  not  to  trust  a  man  when  he  came  to 
to-ade.     The  formation  of  this  society  gave  rise  to 
another,  whose  members  pledged  themselves  to  have 
no  dealing  with  a  member  of  the  "  Shylock  Society," 
and  also  to  publish  all  defaulters  in  "high  life,"  which 
served  to  check  these  oppressive  measures  and  restore 
harmony. 

Among  others  who  came  to  settle  in  the  thriving 
village  of  Rochester,  was  a  colored  man  named  Daniel 

Furr.  who   en.m«   fmm    +],,,    xn j.      tt 

— ._,    „i^y  Ji.^^^^    j^Q  g^_.-^   became 


134      LOCATE  IN  THE   VILLAGE  OF  ROCHESTEK.  ' 

acquainted  with  a  very  respectable  young  white  lady, 
of  good    family,    who    after    a    short    acquaintance 
appeared  to   be  perfectly   enamored  of   her   dusky 
swain;   and  notwithstanding  the  existing  prejudice, 
she  did  not  scruple  *to  avow  her  affection  for  him,— 
a  devotion  which  appeared  to  be  as  sincerely  returned 
by  the  young  "Othello."     They  resolved  to  many; 
but  to  this,  serious  objections  arose,  and  all  that  the 
lady's  family  and  friends  could  do  to  break  off  the 
match  was  done,  but   without  effect.      They  could, 
however,  prevail  on  no  one  to  perform  the  marriage 
ceremony  in  the  village,  and  finally  concluded  to  go  to 
a  magistrate  in  the  town  of   Brighton,  four  miles 
distant.      At  this  stage   of   the  proceedings  I  was 
appealed  to,  to  accompany  them.     I  took  the  matter 
into  consideration  and  came  to  the  conclusion  that  I 
could  take  no  active  part  in  the  affair,  nor  bear  any 
responsible  station  in  the  unpleasant  occurrence.    Is  it 
no  sin  in  the  sight  of  the  Almighty,  for  Southern 
gentlemen  (?)  to  mix  blood  and  amalgamate  the  races? 
And  if  allowed  to  them,  is  it  not  equally  justifiable 
when  the  commerce  is  prompted  by  affection  rather 
than  that  of  lust  and  force  ?   But  I  at  length  consented 
to  accompany  them,  after  learning  that  all  the  mischief 
was  already  done  that  could  be  feared,  and  that  the 
gallant  lover  desired  to  marry  the  lady  as  the  only 
atonement  he  could  make  fo-  tho  loss  of  her  repu- 
tation. 


ISTEK. 

white  lady, 

^quaintance 
her  dusky 
:  prejudice, 
for  him, — 
Ij  returned 

to  many; 
ill  that  the 
lak  off  the 
'hey  could, 
e  marriage 
ed  to  go  to 
four  miles 
3gs  I  was 
the  matter 
ion  that  I 
'  bear  any 
nee.    Is  it 

Southern 
the  races  ? 
justifiable 
ion  rather 
consented 
3  mischief 
i  that  the 

the  only 
her  repu- 


AN  UNFORTUNATE  MARRIAGE.  135 

^  m  arrived  at  the  house  of  the  magistrate  about  one 
o  clock  at  night,  and  all  were  soundly  sleeping.     They 
were,  however,  aroused,  and  when  our  business  was 
made  known,  an  exciting  scene  followed.    The  magis- 
trate refused  at  first  to  marry  them ;  and  the  lady  of  the 
house  took  aside  the  intended  bride,  spending  two 
hours  m  endeavoring  to  dissuade  her  from  the  contem- 
plated union;  assuring  her  that  her  house  should  be 
freely  opened  to  her,  that  no  attention  should  be 
spared  dunng  ner  expected  confinement,  &c.;  but  all 
to  no  purpose.     They  returned  to  the  parior  where  the 
magistrate  again  tried  his  power  of  persuasion,  but 
with  Bs  httle  success  as  his  lady  had  met:  and  then  he 
reluctantly  married  them.    The  newly-made  husband 
paid  a  hberal  fee,  and  we  took  our  leave.    I  returned 
to  my  home  to  reflect  on  the  scenes  of  the  past  night, 
and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Furr  to  the  house  of  a  friend  of  the 
bride  in  Penfield. 

The  report  soon  rea.'.hed  the  viUage  that  the  mar- 
nage  had  been  consummated,  which  produced  a  great 
excitement.    Threats  of  an  alarming  character  were 
openly  made  against  the  "nigger"  who  had  daxed  to 
marry  a  white  woman,  although  at  her  own  request. 
And  there  was  also  a  class  of  persons  who  associated 
together,  professing  great  friendship  for  the  persecuted 
husband,  and  often  drew  him  into  the^'r  company  pre- 
tending  te  defend  his  cause  while  they  were  uu- 
doubtedly  plotting  his  destruction. 


136 


lOCATE  ra  THE  VILLAGE  OP  ROCHESTER.. 


One  day,  after  Furr  had  been  drinking  rather  freely 
wuh  h.  pretended  ffiends,  he  was  taken  so  violentl^ 
lil,  that  a  phys,e,an  was  immediately  called.    I  wa3 
-th  h.m  when  the  doetor  arrived.    He  gazed  npo! 
the  suffering  man   with  an  angry  expression,   Ld 
•nqmred  m  a  tone  of  command,  "bJj,  ,hat  have 
you  been  domg  ?  "    In  vain  the  poor  creature  begged 
for  rehef  the  doctor  merely  repeating  his  quesSn. 
•After  looking  at  him  for  some  time,  he  finally  admin- 
^^red  a  pofon  and  hastily  left  the  room,  saying  as  he 
4d  so,    that  Furr  was  a.  sure  to  die  as  though  hi 
head  had  been  cut  off."   And  so  it  proved,  though  not 
so  speeddy  as  the  medical  man  had  predicted;  nor  did 
he  ever  v^it  him  again,  notwithstanding  he  lingered 
for  several  days  in  the  most  intense  agony.    It  was  a- 
strong  man  grappling  with  disease  and  death,  and  the 
stnfe  wa.  a  fearful  one.    But  death  at  last  ended  tho 
scene,  with  none  of  all  his  professed  friends,  except 
h.s  faithful  but  heart-broken  wife,  to  admmist^r  to  hU 
necessities.      No  sound  save  that  of  the  moaning 
widow  broke  tiie  stillness  of  his  death.,hamber.    1 
few  faends  collected,  who  prepared  the  emaciated 
b<^y  for  the  grave;    enclosing  it  in  a  rude  board 
eoffin  It  was  conveyed  to  its  last  resting    lace,  followed 
bythreeor  four  men,  just  as  the  shades  of  evening  had 
faUenupon  this  sin-cursed  world;  there  in  darLess 
and  silence  we  lowered  his  remains,  and  left  the 
gloomy  spot  to  return  to  his  disconsolate  wife,  who 
had  been  too  ill  to  ioin  thn  mf,„„„ ^_„_. . 


I 


SSTEB. 

'ather  freely 
so  violently 
fed.    I  was 
?azed  upon 
3ssion,   and 
what  have 
are  begged 
i  question. 
Hy  admin- 
ying  as  he 
hough  his 
hough  not 
I;  nor  did 
i  lingered 
It  was  a 
,  and  the 
nded  the 
[s,  except 
ter  to  his 
moaning 
iber.    A 
tnaciated 
e  board 
^ollowed 
ling  had 
larkness 
[eft  the 
fe,  who 


HEARTLESS  PERSECUTION.  137 

It  h^  ever  been  my  conviction  that  Furr  was 
«  most  likely  by  some  of  his  false  friends  who 
must  have  mingled  some  deadly  drug  with  his  drinks 

^er  d  b^  the  phys.c.an  was  designed  to  save  his  life. 

matte!         '  ^'^  ^'''^'''  ^''  ^^^^^^'  ^  ^-e  the 

His  despised  forsaken,  and  bereaved  wife  soon  fol- 

W  been  granted  her  by  a  heartless  fnd  J:::!', 

Oh  when  will  this  nation  '« cease  to  do  evil  and 
learn  to  do  well  ?  "     Wh„n  will  +1,       •  ^ 

in  accordance  with  its  mnr  1         T^  ^^^^'  '^''^^*^^ 
ctuoe  witJi  Its  moral  excellence,  instead  of  tho 

complexion  a  man  unavoidably  bears  t;  the  worM? 


i 


t  ^i 


1 


CHAPTER    XIV. 


In6iDENTS  in  ROCHESTER  AND  VICINITY. 

AFTEE  long  petitioning,  the  inhabitants  of  that 
section  succeeded  in  having  the  new  county  of 
Monroe  set  oif  from  Genesee  and  Ontario  Counties,  in 
1821,  which  gave  a  new  impulse  to  the  business 
interests  of  the  already  flourishing  town,  which  had 
heretofore  labored  under  some  disadvantages  in  consc 
quence  of  having  all  public  business  done  at  Canan- 
daigua  or  Batavia. 

About  this  time,  too,   was  the   Carthage   bridge 
bmlt  by  a  company  of  enterprising  gentlemen  of  that 
village,  which  at  that  day  was  considered  one  of  the 
wonders  of  the  age;  but  as  its  history  is  well  known 
to  all  mterested  in  the  enterprises  of  those  days  it  is 
only  necessary  to  say,  that  the  magnificent  structure, 
so  grand  in  its  appearance,  such  a  pattern  of  mechan' 
ical  mgenuity,  exhibiting  in  all  its  vast  proportions, 
both  strength  and  boautv.  comhinprl  wjth  "h'l^v^  .^  J 


FALL  OF  CARTHAGE  BRIDGE. 


189 


CINITY. 

tants  of  that 
ew  county  of 
)  Counties,  in 
the  business 
I,  which  had 
iges  in  conse- 
ne  at  Canan- 

hage  bridge 
3men  of  that 
i  one  of  the 
well  known 
56  days,  it  is 
it  structure, 
of  mechan- 
proportions, 

.    -nfi'lU-^ J 


grandeur ;  and  erected  at  such  an  enormous  expense 
of  time,  labor,  and  cash,  was  destined  soon  to  fall. 
It  had  cost  some  ten  thousand  dollars;  and  had 
been  warranted  by  the  builders  to  stand  one  year. 
How  great  then  must  have  been  the  loss  and  disap- 
pointment when  in  a  little  more  than  twenty-four 
hours  after  the  time  specified,  the  ruins  of  that  beauti- 
ful structure  were  found  floating  on  the  broad  bosom 
of  the  Genesee  I  And  yet  when  we  take  into  consider- 
ation the  Ysst  amount  of  human  life  which  hourly 

■  passed  over  its  solid  surface,  we  can  but  wonder  at  the 
intervention  of  a  kind  Prov^idence  which  prevented 

I  any  loss  of  life  at  the  time  of  its  fall.     A  child  had 

r  but  just  passed  over  it,  when  with  one  general  crash  it 
sank  to  the  waters  below;  mocking  in  its  rapid 
flight,  the  wisdom  of  the  architect  and  foresight  of 
frail  humanity.  The  fall  of  Carthage  bridge  was 
indeed  a  calamity  felt  by  the  public  generally,  and 
sounded  the  death-knell  of   all   future  greatness  to 

I  Carthage,  or  at  least  for  some  years  to  come. 

About  this  time  the  village  was  thrown  into  a  state 
of  excitement  by  the  arrest  of  a  colored  woman  named 
Ellen,  who  it  was  charged  had  escaped  from  service 
due  to  a  Mr.  D.,  south  of  Mason  and  Dixon's  Line. 
She  had  been  arrested  in  accordance  with  a  law  passed 
by  Congress  in  1793,  which  forbids  persons  owing 
service  in  one  State  to  flee  to  another;  and  which  also 
obliges  those  receiving  such  service,  to  render  to  the 


nothing  abort  of  n„  „  7  ^^  °""°'<^'-  •"" 

=  snort  ot  an  open  violation  of  the  l„w  „*• .. 

l»nd,  could  prevent  her  return  to  ,)   t  """ 

S>.e  wa.  tried  and  81™!"',°""^'''"''"^''- 

darker  than  death'.-   ^  ■  "^''■'''  '^^^^«^ 

'iben^fro^htriiSTfr'^/^p-^ 

Sl.e  indeed  muat  have  rlfred 'thT  "'  '"'""" 
this  show  of  poJr,  T!^^*.""'^*"''^^'"-'"^^- 
tWw  up  their  r         .       *'*  *°°'  ''^  ""^^  ^1» 

•  w  w  rr-"  "•'•.  ~a,  w. . 

-L'avis,    with  a  re]>utation  unsuIliVf^  f^.  •  ^ 
7'  t-th  and  sobriety,  was  arrested TalJZT'' 
slave  labor  in  Kentucky    Two  m^.  ^  """^ 

State,  actin..  in  th.  Tli  '''^'  °^  ^^^^  ^^^^ 

,  «iOHn„  m  the  double  capacity  of  ao-ent.  fn.  fi. 

cainaant  and  witnesses  againsi  the  slave     Th! 

grew  intense  among  all  classes;  but 


'i^^^fmr-t^^wmmi^'"')!. 


D  VICINITY. 

due,   &c.      Poor 
able  coimse],  but 
•f  the  law  of  the 
iouse  of  bondage, 
im  who  claimed 
leart-broken,  she 
and  village  of 
t  Horse,"  under 
poor,  persecuted 
fallen. a  shadow 
arthly  hope  of 
3SS  and  forlorn  I 
litary  parade— 
J  by  men  who 
f  freedom  and 
irt  a  jewel  I  " 
at  of  the  kind 
i  it.  ■ 

illj  krown  as 
lied  fv,r  indus- 
fugitive  from 
■  on  from  that 
gents  for  the 
-    They  em- 
a  the  trial  of 
le   generally 
t  to  be  tried, 
classes;  but 


I 


ABR3ST  or  A  •  FTOUnVE  SLAVE."  141 

more  particularly  among  the  colored  people.     When 
the  trial  came  on,  the  Court  room  was  crowded  to 
overflow,„g,  and  every  avenue  leading  to  it  densely 
thronged  with  deeply  anxious  persons,  a.«mbled  to 
w.tnesa  the  result.    It  became  evident,  however,  that 
■  ae  poor  man  murt  be  given  up  to  his  grouping  „„,ter, 
"nless  some  means  were  devised  to  rescue  him  from 
t  .e  power  of  an  unjust  law.     His  friends  were  on  the 
■•.lort,  and  as  the  trial  proceeded,  thecolored  men  found 
an  opportunity  to  get  him  into  a  corner  of  the  crowded 
apartment;  where,  while  the  oifieeiB  stood  at  the  door 
^hey  dressed  him  in  disguise,  and  otherwise  so  com' 
Wetely  changed    his   personal  appearance,   that   he 
<^^d  out  of  the  Co,art  room,   undetocteu   by  the 
.fficers,and  as  all  supposed  was  safely  p«„ui„g  u, 
fay  to  Canada. 

The  hawk-eyed  counsel  for  the  Kontuekians,  how- 
iver,  too  soon  observed  exultiition  written  on  every 
toky  countenance,  to  keep  quiet  Starting  to  his  feet 
great  alarm,  he  cried  our,  "  Where  is  Davis  ?  "  And 
Oh,  how  that  question  startled  every  one  present. 
Every  eye  gazed  hither  and  thither,  and  every  ear 
«>tentty  hstened  for  the  answer.  After  a  moment  of 
brea  hle^   a         th,  ,^„i^^  ^^^^^^  ^^ 

*at  the  "b„d  had  flown,"  which  announcement  was 
received  with  a  rapturous  shout  of  joy  hy  the  audi 
^e,  greatly,  however,  to  the  discomfiture  of   the 
*>.tlemen  from  Kentucky,  who  had  thn„„u  «,„^ 


142      INCIDENTS  IN  BOOHESTEK  AND  VIOINHT. 

selves  so  sure  of  their  pri^.    Nor  vrould  they  be 
hwarted  now.    It  waa  not  yet  too  late  to  overike 

"^  which  they  were  ready  to  n.ake.  Handi 
were  ,n  ^med-ate  cireuiation,  offering  a  reward  of 
.fifty  dollars  for  the  appreliension  of  the  flyin«  furitiye 

rum  of  a  fellow  being,  for  whom  Christ  eaye  hi, 
precous  life,  Yes,  iifty  dollars  are  offered  Tat 
human  blood-hound  who  will  hunt  and  wor^^e 

Unfortunately  for  Davis,  some  of  these  hand-biUs 
were  thrown  on  board  the  very  paeket  on  whieh  he 
had  embarked  for  Buffalo,  nor  was  this  all.  The  Hi' 
would  have  left  him  uninjured,  but  a  scoundre  _an 
apology  for  a  man-waa  there  also,  who,  for  the  eo" 

all  p^tens.ons  to  manhood  and  humanity,  and  drag 

tTel  7;'^  ^'"'"«  ^'^^'''  "''-  »«  -'  *«-* 
rettt       /  '^'^PP'-^'^or.    When  Davis  was  finally 

held  h,m  w.th  a  grasp  that  banished  all  hope  of  escape 
by  flght;  and  tten  in  his  so,.ow  and  despair  the 

return  to  the  hell  of  Slavery?    Save  me.  Oh,  dear 


VICINITY. 

would  they  be 
late  to  overtake 
;  their  hands  a 
ke.    Hand-bills 
g  a  reward  of 
flying  fugitive, 
man  to  plunge 
dollars  for  the 
hrist  gave  his 
offered  to  any 
md  -worry  the 
asted  land  of 
Inion  of  Eng- 

ese  hand-bills 
on  which  he 
all.   The  bills 
icoundrel — an 
,  for  the  con- 
'  compromise 
ty,  and  drag 
cast  beneath 
s  was  finally 
nan  chattels, 
>pe  of  escape 
despair  the 
r  God,  must 
le,  Oh,  dear 


ESCAPE,  RE-ARREST,  AND  ATTEMPTED  SUICIDE.  143 

Lord,  save  this,  thy  helpless,  friendless  servant,  from 
a  fate  so  dreadful  I    Oh,  Christian  friends  and  neigh- 
bors, I  appeal  to  you  to  rescue  me  from  a  life  far  more 
terrible  than  death  in  any  form !    Oh,  God,  is  there  no 
protection  for  me  in  the  laws  of  New  York  ?    I  claim 
it,  by  all  that  is  sacred  in  her  past  history  I    Give  me 
liberty  or  death  I    or  death  I"    he  repeated,  with  a 
shudder;  then  casting  one  glance  of  hopeless  agony 
on  his  persecutors,  he  secretly  drew  from  his  pocket  a 
razor,  and  before  he  could  be  prevented  he  drew  it 
across  his  throat,  and  fell  gasping  in  the  midst  of  his 
slave-hunting  tormentors,  while  a  collection  of  by- 
standers cried   "Shame  I    shame  I   on  the  institution 
of  Slavery  I " 

Poor  Davis  was  not  dead,  but  supposing  he  soon 
would  be,  these  gentlemen  were  requested  to  give 
secmity,  and  indemnify  the  town  for  all  expenses  it 
.might  mcur  on  Davis'  account.  But  instead  of  giving 
peir  bond  as  requested,  they  took  a  sudden  .tart 
"^r  Kentucky,  where  it  was  very  generally  desired 

ley  might  remain. 

With  good  treatment,  Davis,  after  a  long  time  re- 
covered  sufficiently  to  be  removed  by  his  friends  to  a 
)lace  of  safety;  and  when  so  far  restored  as  to  be  able 
^e  returned  to  Rochester,  where  he  received  assistance 
rhich  enabled  him  to  reach  Canada.  I  have  often 
leard  from  him  during  his  residence  in  that  country 
^here  no  slaves  exist    and  he  hae  done  well,  haviu. 


experience  of  un^quited  toU M         V  "^^  "" 

selfish  master     tX      •.      .     '"™''  "  ''""^  «»<! 


ncmiTY. 


and  lives  in  the 
be  struggled  so 
g;  yet,  to  this 
ivho  does  not  Y 
edom  after  an 
a  brutal  and 
ented  slave  is 


OHAPTEE    XV. 


SAD  EEVERSlJf? 


OAPT.  HELM. 


m 


MUST  again  introduce  to  the  kind  reader  my 
old  master,  Capt.  Helm,  who  we  left  residing  in 
^;h,  several  years  ago.    And  as  I  have  before  inti- 
l»$ted  he  had  now  become  a  very  poor  man ;  indeed 
l-educed  was  he  now  that  he  lived  with  one  of  his 
^^c  women,  and  was  supported  by  public  charity  I 
rning,  too,  that  I  had  saved  by  my  industry  a  few 
idred  dollars,  it  seemed  very  congenial  with  his 
cious  habits  to  endeavor  to  obtain  what  I  pos- 
id.    In  accordance  with  his  plan  he  employed  a 
er  named  Lewland  to  come  to  my  place  of  busi- 
^^  I,  which  he  did,  and  demanded  of  me  to  pay  Capt. 
Im  two  hundred  dollars.    He  also  left  a  notice, 
.    fiM)idding  all  persons  to  t/vke  or  destroy  any  property 
f    i^J  possession ;  and  then  impudently  inquired  how 

]^«pected  to  gain  my  freedom;   if  I  thought  of 

mmmlying  M  a   writ  of  habceus  corpus;    and  many 


,    I! 


■MII»WIIWWWIMy|l.l..|ll)lim|pMJrI|.v' 

I  i 


i4ft 


SAD  REVERSES  OF  CAPT  HELM. 


Other  questions;  \  ^  whicli  I  replied  that  I  should  pay 
no  money  on  the  order  of  Capt.  Helm;  apply  for  no 
writ;  but  should  continue  to  maintain  my  personal 
rights  and  enjoy  the  freedom  which  was  already  mine, 
and  which  I  designed  to  keep,  assuring  him  that  the 
Capt  .in  had  forfeited  his  claim,  if  he  had  any,  to  me  or 
my  services,  when  he  hired  me  to  Mr.  Tower. 

He  hung  about  me  for  a  day  or  two,  and  then  left 
me  to  pursue  my  business— I  saw  no  more  of  him. 
Some  time  afterward  Mr.  H.  E.  Eochester  informed  me 
that  he  had  a  subpoena  for  me,  which  I  found  was 
issued  by  the  direction  of  Capt.  Helm.  By  Mr. 
Rochester's  counsel,  I  took  it  to  Mr.  A.  Sampson,  who 
assured  me  that  my  old  master  had  commenced  a  suit 
against  me  in  the  Court  of  Equity,  and  the  case  would 
be  tried  before  Wm.  B.  Eochester,  Esq.,  who  was  one 
of  the  circuit  judges.  Capt.  Helm  claimed  every 
particle  of  property  I  possessed ;  a  claim  that  occasioned 
me  great  anxiety  and  some  cost. 

Mr.  Sampson  encouraged  me  to  hope,  however, 
that  the  case  would  be  dismissed  aa  two  other  cases  of 
that  kind  had  been. 

I  labored  to  the  best  of  my  ability  to  prepare 
myself  for  the  trial,  which  was  to  decide  whether  I 
had  a  right  to  possess  myself  and  command  my  own 
services  and  earnings,  or  whether  all  belonged  to  Capt. 
Helm.  As  I  looked  forward  with  anxious  forebodings 
to  the  day  appointed  for  the  suit  to  commehce,  I  was 


'^mi.£ 


SLM. 


DEATH  OP  CAPT.  HELM. 


147 


it  I  should  pay 
i;  apply  for  no 
in  my  personal 
IS  already  mine, 
tig  him  that  the 
d  any,  to  me  or 
Tower. 

',  and  then  left 
)  more  of  him. 
er  informed  me 
li  I  found  waa 
elm.  By  Mr. 
Sampson,  who 
nmenced  a  suit 
the  case  would 
.,  who  was  one 
claimed  every 
that  occasioned 

lope,  however, 
>  other  cases  of 

ity  to  prepare 
dde  whether  I 
mand  my  own 
onged  to  Capt. 
•us  forebodings 
nmehce,  I  was 


1  \<- 


m 


startled  by  the  announcement  of  my  old  master's 
death/  Yes,  Capt.  Helm  was  deadj  and  with  him 
died  the  law  suit.  He  who  had  so  wronged  me,  who 
had  occasioned  me  so  much  suffering  and  sorrow  had 
gone  to  his  account.  He  who  had  once  been  thought 
to  be  one  of  the  wealthiest  as  well  as  one  of  the 
greatest  men  in  the  county,  died  a  pauper — neglected 
and  despised,  and  scarcely  awarded  a  decent  burial. 
Like  his  wife,  who  died  such  a  horrid  death,  he  had 
been  reared  in  affluence  and  was  an  inheritor  of  vast 
possessions,  but  his  home  was  in  a  slave  State;  he  was 
raised  on  a  plantation,  and  nurtured  in  the  atmosphere 
of  Slavery. 

In  his  youth  he  had  contracted  the  habit  of  drinking 
to  excess,  beside  that  of  gambling,  horse-racing  and 
the  like,  which  followed  him  through  life.  Forgotten 
and  scorned  in  his  poverty  by  many  who  had  partaken 
of  his  abundance,  sipped  his  wine,  and  rode  his  fast 
horses. 

During  the  last  -^ar  his  princely  mansion  was  ever 
open  to  the  officers  of  the  army,  and  many  a  wounded 
soldier  has  been  cheered  and  comforted  by  his  hospi- 
tality. But  now  he  is  regarded  as  no  better  than  his 
poorest  slave,  and  lies  as  lowly  as  they,  in  the  narrow 
house  appointed  for  all  the  living. 

My  old  master  had  two  brothers:  the  oldest,  Thomas 
Helm,  was  a  Captain  in  the  United  States  Army,  and 
had  been  in  manv  hard-fouffht  hathlpa.     TTig  -irrknnrrAr 


!f"i 


0 


148 


SAD  REVERSES  OF  CAPT.  HELM. 


brother,  William,  was  a  Captain  also;    but  Thomas 
was  the  man  to  awaken  curiosity.    I  have  lived  with 
him,  but  never  knew  of  his  going  unarmed  for  an 
hour,  until  he  left  Virginia  and  came  to  Steuben 
County,  where  he  died.    When  at  the  South,  I  have 
seen  strangers  approach  him,  but  they  were  invariably 
commanded  to  "stand"  and  to  "approach  him  at  their 
peril."     He  finally  came  to  the  State  of  New  York 
bringing  with  him  his  "  woman"  with  whom  he  lived' 
and  two  children,  with  whom  he  settled  on  a  piece  of 
land  given  him  by  my  old  master,  where  the  old 
soldier  lived,  died,  and  was  buried  on  one  of  his  small 
'^  clearings"  under  an  old  apple  tree.    He  owned  a  few 
slaves,  but  at  his  death  his  "woman"  collected  every 
thing  she  could,  and  among  the  rest,  two  or  three 
slave  children,  to  whom  she  had  no  right  or  claim 
whatever,  and  made  her  way  to  Kentucky.     About  a 
year  ago  I  visited  the  spot  where  the  brave  old 
defender  of  his  country  had  been  buried,  but  found 
very  little  to  mark  the  resting  place  of  the  brother  of 
my  old  master.   They  had  passed  away.   Their  wealth, 
power  and  bravery  had  come  to  nought;    and  no 
tribute  was  now  paid  to  the  memory  of  one  of  "Old 
Virginia's  best  families."     The  blood  of  which  they 
were    wont  to    boast,   was    now  no   more  revered 
than  that  which  commingled  with  the  African  and 
circulated  in  the  veins  of  his  despised  and  down- 
trodden slaves. 


CHAPTER    XVI. 


BRITISH  EMANCIPATION  OF  SLAVERF. 

\  S  time  passed  on  I  found  myself  progressing  in  a 
XL    profitable  business.     I  had  paid  for  my  house 
and  lot,  and  purchased  another  adjoining,  on  which  I 
had  erected  a  valuable  brick  building.     The  Lord 
prospered  all  my  undertakings  and  I  felt  grateful  for 
my  good  fortune.      I  kept,  all  kinds   of  groceries 
and  grain,  which  met  a  ready  sale;  and  now  I  began 
to  look  about  me  for  a  partner  in  life,  to  share  my 
joys  and  sorrows,  and  to  assist  me  on  through  the 
tempestuous  scenes  of  a  life-long  voyage.     Such  a 
companion  I  found  in  the  intelligent  and  amiable  Miss 
f"  '  ^^  ^^^"^  I  was  married  on  the  eleventh  of 

May,  1826.  She  was  the  youngest  daughter  of  a 
particular  friend,  who  had  traveled  extensively  and 
was  noted  for  his  honesty  and  intelligence. 

About  this  time,  too,  "Sam  Patch"  made  his  last 
and  fatal  leap  irum  a  scaffold  twenty  five  feet  above 


'IT' 


160         BRITISH  EMANCIAPATION  OF  SLAVERY. 


Ml 


U^ 


the  falls  of  Genesee,  which  are  ninety-six  feet  in 
height.  From  thence  he  plunged  into  the  foaming 
river  to  rise  no  more  in  life.  The  following  spring 
the  body  of  the  foolish  man  was  found  and  buried, 
after  having  lain  several  months  in  the  turbulent 
waters  of  the  Genesee. 

This  year  was  also  rendered  memorable  by  the 
efficient  labors  of  Professor  Finney,  through  whose 
faithful  preaching  of  the  gospel,  many  were  brought 
to  a  saving  knowledge  of  the  truth. 

The  "  Emancipation  Act"  had  now  been  passed,  and 
the  happy  time  for  it  to  take  effect  was  drawing  nigh. 
Slavery  could  no  longer  exist  in  the  Empire  State  nor 
receive  the  protection  of  her  laws.  Would  to  God  it 
had  so  continued  to  be  what  it  professed— the  refuge 
of  the  bondraan  and  the  home  of  the  free.  But  alas ! 
Now  the  flying  fugitive  from  Slavery  finds  no  security 
within  her  borders;  he  must  flee  onward,  to  the 
dominion  of  Queen  Victoria,  ere  he  rests,  lest  the 
exaction  of  the  odious  "  Fugitive  Slave  Law"  return 
him  to  the  house  of  bondage.  ;■ 

But  the  Emancipation  Bill  had  been  passed,  and  the 
colored  people  felt  it  to  be  a  time  fit  for  rejoicing. 
They  met  in  different  places  and  determined  to  evince 
their  gratitude  by  a  general  celebration.  In  Eochester 
tbe  '  convened  in  large  numbers,  and  resolved  to 
celebrate  the  glorious  day  of  freedom  at  Johnson's 
Square,  on  the  fifth  day  of  July,     This  arrano-ement 


GREAT  CKLEUUATION. 


151 


was  made  so  as  not  to  interfere  with  the  white  popula- 
tion who  were  everywhere  celebrating  the  day  of 
their  independence—"  the  Glorious  Fourth,"— for  amid 
the  general  and  joyous  shout  of  liberty,  prejudice 
had  sneeringly  raised  the  finger  of  scorn  at  the  poor 
A  iican,  whose  iron  bands  were  loosed,  not  only 
fro-n  English  oppression,  but  the  more  cruel  and 
oppressive  power  of  Slavery. 
They  met  according  to  previous  appointment,  Mr. 

A.  H ,  having  been  chosen  president,  Mr.  H. 

E >  marshal,  and  Mr.  H.  D ,  reader  of  the 

"Act  of  Emancipation,"  and  "The  Declaration  of 
Independence."  A  large  audience  of  both  white 
and  colored  people  assembled,  and  the  day  which  had 
been  ushered  in  by  the  booming  cannon,  passed  by 
in  the  joyous  realization  that  we  were  indeed  free 
men.  To  the  music  of  the  band  the  large  procession 
marched  from  the  square  to  the  hotel,  where  ample 
provision  was  made  for  dinner,  after  listening  to 
the  following  oration,  which  I  had  been  requested  to 
deliver. 

I  must  not  omit  to  mention  that  on  the  morning  of 
that  happy  day,  a  coramitteo  of  colored  men  waited 
upon  the  Hon.  Matthew  Brown,  and  in  behalf  of  the 
citizens  of  Monroe  County,  presented  their  thanks  for 
his  noble  exertions  in  the  Legislature,  in  favor  of  the 
Act  by  which  thousands  were  made  free  men. 

Thev  wfirA    vf^nM^raA    Ki,    fV,— f    ^ n  i-» 

--^    -.„.,., ^^^.^  Qy  ^^jj^  woniiy  gentlemen 


i  J 


ir)2  BRTTISir  EMANCIPATION  OF  SLAVEKY. 

witli  grateful  and  pleasing  assurances  of  his  continued 
labor  in  behalf  of  freedom. 

Now  I  will  lay  before  the  reader  my  address  to  the 
audience  on  that  eventful  day. 


I 


LX. 


iAVEKV. 

Df  his  continued 
y  address  to  the 


»  .J 


CHAPTEE    XVII. 


OEATION— TERMINATION  OP  SLAVERY. 

rpHE  age  in  which  we  live  is  characterised  in  no 
±      ordinary  degree,    by  a  certain   boldness  and 
rapidity  in  the  march  of  intellectual  and  political 
[improvements.    Inventions  the  most  surprising;   re- 
volutions the  most  extraordinary,  are  spruging  forth, 
and  passing  in  quick  succession  before  us, -all  t^'ending 
most  clearly  to  the  advancement  of  mankind  towards 
that  state  of  earthly  perfection  and  happiness,  from 
which  they  are  yet  so  far  distant,  but  of  which  their 
nature  and  that  of  the  world  they  inhabit,  are  most 
^certainly  capable.     It  is  at  all  times  pleasing  and  in- 
.Btructive  to  look  backward  by  the  light  of  history,  and 
forward  by  the  light  of  analogical  reasoning,  to  behold 
the  gradual  advancement  of  man  from  barbarism  to 
civilization,  from  civilization  toward  the  higher  perfec- 
tions of  his  nature;  and  to  hope-nay,  confidently  be- 
-lieve,  that  the  time  is  not  far  distant  when  libertv  and 


1 

L  i 

1 

i 

^^H 

i 

( 1 

^^9 

» 

i      ' 

1^^^ 

Hki 

^MH 

s 

^^^H 

^i 

^^H 

1 

i^H 

1 

1^1 

■ 

164f 


ORATION. 


equpl  riglits  being  everywhere  established,  morality 
and  the  religion  of  the  gospel  everywhere  diflfused, — 
man  shall  no  longer  lift  his  hand  for  the  oppression  of 
his  fellow  man ;   but  all,  mutually  assisting  and  as- 
sited,  shall  move  onward  throughout  the  journey  of 
human  life,  like  the  peaceful  caravan  across  the  burn- 
ing sands  of  Arabia.    And  never,  on  this  glorious 
anniversary,  so  often  and  so  deservedly  celebrated  oy 
millions  of  free  men,  but  which  we  are  to-day  for  the 
first  time  called  to  celebrate — never  before,  has  the 
eye  been  able  to  survey  the  past  with  so  much  satis- 
action,  or  the  future  with  hopes  and  expectations  so 
brilliant  and  so  flattering;  it  is  to  us  a  day  of  two-fold 
joy.    We  are  men,  though  the  strong  hand  of  preju- 
dice and  oppression  is  upon  us;  we  can,  and  we  will 
rejoice  in  the  advancement  of  the  rapidly  increasing 
happiness  of  mankind,  and  especially  of  our  own 
race.    We  can,  and  we  will  rejoice  in  the  growing 
power  and  glory  of  the  country  we  inhabit.  Although 
Almighty  God  has  not  permitted  us  to  remain  in  the 
land  of  our  forefathers  and  our  own,  the  glories  of 
national  independence,  and  the  sweets  of  civil  and  reli- 
gious liberty,  to  their  full  extent ;  but  the  strong  hand 
of  the  spoiler  has  borne  us  into  a  strange  land,  yet  has 
He  of  His  great  goodness  given  us  to  behold  those 
best  and  noblest  of  his  gifts  to  man,  in  their  fairest 
and  loveliest  forms ;   and  not  only  have  we  beheld 

xT T— i T _1 J_  r-lx 1,    -r   a1--"_    1 •_ 


TERMINATION  OF  SLAVERY. 


165 


lished,  morality 
here  diffused, — 
le  oppression  of 
ssisting  and  as- 

the  journey  of 
icross  the  burn- 
•n  this  glorious 
Y  celebrated  i>y 
)  to-day  for  the 
before,  has  the 
1  so  much  satifi- 
expectations  so 
day  of  two-fold 

hand  of  preju- 
m,  and  we  will 
Didly  increasing 
y  of  our  own 
n  the  growing 
abit.  Although 
0  remain  in  the 
,  the  glories  of 
)f  civil  and  reli- 
;he  strong  hand 
yQ  land,  yet  has 
0  behold  those 
in  their  fairest 
ive  we  beheld 


nant  influence.     Most  of  us  have  hitherto  enjoyed 
many,  very  many  of  the  dearest  rights  of  freemen. 
Our  lives  and  personal  liberties  have  been  held  as 
sacred  and  inviolable;    the  riglits  of  property  have 
been  extended  to  us,  in  this  land  of  frer^.  ^m ;   our 
industry  has  been,  and  still  is,  liberal?  r  rewa'rled; 
and  so  long  as  we  live  under  a  free  and  1-  apt  y  gov  .m-' 
ment  which  denies  us  not  the  protection  t  V  it.:  laws, 
why  -:  juld  we  fret  and  vex  ourselves  because  we 
have  had  no  part  in  framing  them,  nor  anything  to  do 
with  their  administration.     When  the  fruits  of  the 
earth  are  fully  afforded  us,  we  do  not  wantonly  refuse 
them,  nor  ungratefully  repine  because  we  have  done 
nothing  towards  the  cultivation  of  the  tree  which  pro- 
duces them.  No,  we  accept  them  with  lively  gratitude; 
and  their  sweetness  is  not  embittered  by  reflecting 
upon  he  manner  in  which  they  were  obtained.     It  is 
the  dictate  of  sound  wisdom,   then,  to  enjoy  without 
repinmg,   the    freedom,    privileges,    and    immunities 
which  wise  and  equal  laws  have  awarded  us-nay, 
:  proudly  to  rejoice  and  glory  in  their  production,  and 
stand  ready  at  all  times  to  defend  them  at  the  hazard 
of  our  lives,  and  of  all  that  is  most  dear  to  us. 
But  are  we  alone  shut  out  and  excluded  from  any 
\  '^hare  in  the  administration  of  government  ?    Are  not 
I  the   Clergy,  a   eta   of   men    equally  ineligible    to 
^i>fBce?    A  Class  of  men  almost  idolized  bv  thpir 
countrymen,  ineligible  to  office!     And  are  we  alone 


I     )i 


-It    i; 
:U    il 

m 


166 


ORATION. 


excluded  from  what  the  world  chooses  to  denominate 
polite  societv  ?    And  are  not  a  vast  majority  of  the 
polar  race  excluded  ?     I  know  not  why,  but  mankind 
of  every  age,  nation,  and  complexion  have  had  lower 
classes;    and,  as  a  distinction,  they  have  chosen  to 
arrange  themselves  in  the  grand  spectacle  of  human 
life,  like  seats  in  a  theater— rank  above  rank,  with 
intervals  between  them.    But  if  any  suppose  that  hap- 
piness or  contentment  is  confined  to  any  single  class, 
or  that  the  high  or  more  splendid  order  possesses  any 
substantial  advantage  in  those  respects  over  their  more 
lowly  brethren,  they  must  be  wholly  ignorant  of  all 
rational    enjoyment.     For    what    though  the  more 
humble  orders  cannot  mingle  with  the  higher  on  terms 
of  equality.      This,  if  rightly  considered,  is  not  a 
curse  but  a  blessing.    Look  around  you,  my  friends: 
what  rational  enjoyment  is  not  within  your  reach  ? 
Your  homes  are  in  the  noblest  country  in  the  world, 
and  all  of  that  country  which  your  real  happiness 
requires,  may  at  any  time  be  yours.     Your  industry 
can  purchase  it;  and  its  righteous  laws  will  secure  you  ' 
in  its  possession.  But,  to  what,  my  friends,  do  you  owe 
all  these  blessings?    Let  not  the  truth  be  concealed. 
You  owe  them  to  that  curse,  that  bitter  scourge  of 
Africa,  whose  partial  abolishment  you  are  this  day 
convened  to  cele^  -.ate.     Slavery  has  been  your  curse, 
but  it  shall  become  your  rejoicing.    Like  the  people 
of  God  in  Es-vDt.  von     iva  Kppti  offliVf^/i .  i.,,*  i:u_ 


!S  to  denominate 
majority  of  the 
ly,  but  mankind 
have  had  lower 
have  chosen  to 
ctacle  of  human 
)ove  rank,  with 
appose  that  hap- 
any  single  class, 
er  possesses  any 
over  their  more 
ignorant  of  all 
3ugh  the  more 
higher  on  terms 
lered,  is  not   a 
ou,  my  friends : 
in  your  reach? 
-y  in  the  world, 
real  happiness 
Your  industry 
will  secure  you 
ids,  do  you  owe 
1  be  concealed, 
ter  scourge  of 
1  are  this  day 
een  your  curse, 
jike  the  people 

Ot'^ri   •      1^"1+     1-1 


TEBMINATION  OF  SLAVERY.  I57 

them  too,  you  have  been  redeemed.    You  are  hence- 
forth  free  as  the  mountain  winds.    Why  should  we 
on  this  day  of  congratulation  and  joy,  turn  our  ykw 
upon  the  origin  of  African  Slaverj.?    Wliy  should 
we  harrow  up  our  minds  by  dwelling  on  the  deceit, 
he  forcible  fraud  and  treachery  that  have  been  so 
long  practised  on  your  hospitable  and  unsuspecting 
countrymen?    Why  speak  of  fathers  torn  from  the 
bosom  of  their  families,  wives  from  the  embraces  of 
their  husbands,  children  from  the  protection  of  their 
parents;    in  fine,  of  all  the  tender  and  endearin.. 
relations  of  life  dissolved  and  trampled  under  foot,  bv 
the  accursed  traffic  in  human  flesh?    Why  should 
we  remember,  ia  joy  and  exultation,  the  thousands 
of  our  countrymen  who  are  to-day,  in  this  land  of 
gospel  hght,  this  boasted  land  of  civil  and  religious 
liberty,  writhing  under  the  lash  and  groaning  beneath 
the  grinding  weight  of  Slavery's  chain?    I  ask  Al- 
mighty God,  are  they  who  do  such  things  thy  chosen 
^nd  favorite  people?    But,  away  with  such  thoughts 
as  these;  we  will  rejoice,  though  sobs  interrupt  the 
songs  of  our  rejoicing,  and  tears  mingle  in  the  cup  we 
pledge  to  iTreedom;  our  harps  though  they  have  long 
h»ng  neglected  upon  the  willows,  shall  this  dav  be 
strung  full  high  to  the  notes  of  gladness.     On  this 
day,  m  one  member  at  least  of  this  mighty  Eepublic, 
he  S  avcty  of  our  race  has  ceased  forever  I    No  more 
snail  the  msoxeat  voice  of  a  master  be  the  main-spring 


lii 


1  1    '! 


I'! 

r  !  ■ 


ORATION  , 

Of  our  actions,  the  sole  guide  of  our  conduct;  no  more 
shall  thers  hands  labor  in  degrading  and  profitless 
servitude.     Their  toils  will  henceforth  be  voluntary 
and   be  crowned   with  the  never  failing  reward  of 
industry.    Honors  and  digrities  may  perhaps  never  be 
ours;  but  wealth,  virtue,  and  happiness  are  all  within 
the  compass  of  our  moderate  exertions.    And  how 
shall  .re  employ  a  few  moments  better  than  in  reflect- 
mg  upon  the  means  by  which  these  are  to  be  obtained 
or  what  can  be  more  proper  and  more  profitable  to 
one  who  has  just  gained  an  invaluable  treasure,  than 
to  consider  how  he  may  use  it  to  the  best  possible 
advantage?    And  here  I  need  not  tell  you  that  a 
strict  observance  to  all  the  precepts  of  the  gospel 
ought  to  be  your  first  and  highest  aim;  for  small  will 
be  the  value  of  all  that  the  present  world  can  bestow, 
^  the  mterests  of  the  world  to  come  are  neglected  and 
despised.    None  of  you  can  be  ignorant  of  what  the 
gospel  teaches.     Bibles  may  easily  be  obtained;  nor 
can  there  be  a  greater  disgrace,  or  a  more  shameful- 
neglect  of  duty  than  fc    a  person  of  mature  age,  and 
much  more,  for  any  father  of  a  family  to  be  without 
that  most  precious  of  all  books^the  Bible.    If,  there- 
fore,  any  of  you  are  destitute  of  a  Bible,  hapten  to 
procura  one.    Will  any  of  you  say  that  it  can  be  of 
no  use  to  you,  or  that  you  cannot  read  it?     Look 
then  to  that  noblest  of  all  remedies  for  this  evil,  the 

Sunday  School — tho*  rw^x^*  ..^-r.-i     n    •,-.  .      . 

fcu.,v  moo«  lujciuj  oi  ail  mstitutions. 


'IIL...:-^ 


r-mmmfrk.mmmm 


TERMINATJON  OP  SLAVERY. 


159 


iduct;  no  more 
and  profitless 
be  voluntary, 
ing  reward  of 
rhaps  never  be 
5  are  all  within 
IS.    And  how 
than  in  reflect- 
;o  be  obtained. 
3  profitable  to 
treasure,  than 
best  possible 
11  you  that  a 
:>f  the  gospel 
for  small  will 
d  can  bestow, 
neglected  and 
t  of  what  the 
)btained;  nor 
ore  shameful' 
ture  age,  and 

0  be  without 
le.  If,  there- 
>le,  hasten  to 
it  can  be  of 

1  it?  Look 
this  evil,  the 

institutions. 


There  you  may  learn  without  loss  of  time  or  money, 
that  of  which  none  should  be  ignorant— to  read. 

Let  me  exhort  you  with  earnestness  to  give  your 
most  sincere  attention  to  this  matter.     It  is    )f  the 
utmost  importance  to  every  one  of  you.    Let  your 
next  object  be  to  obtain  as  soon  as  may  be,  a  compe- 
tency  of  the  good  thirgs  of  this  world;   immense 
wea.ch    is    not  necessary  for  you,  and  would  but 
diminish  your  real  happiness.    Abject  poverty  is  and 
ought  to  be  regarded  as  the  greatest,  most  terrible  of 
all  possible  evils.    It  should  be  shunned  as  a  most 
deadly  and  damning  sin.    What  then  axe  the  means 
by  which  so  dreadful  a  calamity  may  be  avoided? 
I  will  tell  you,  my  friends,  in  these  simple  words— hear 
and  ponder  on  them;  write  them  upon  the  tablets  of 
your  memory;  they  are  worthy  to  be  inscribed  in 
letters  of  gold  upon  every  door-postr-"  industry,  pru- 
dence,  and  economy."     Oh !  they  are  words  of  power 
to  guide  you  to  respectabUity  and  happiness.    Attend, 
then,  to  some  of  the  laws  which  industry  impose,  while 
you  have  health  and  strength.    Let  not  the  rising  sun 
behold  you  sleeping  or  indolently  lying  upon  your  beds. 
Rise  ever  with  the  morning  light ;  and,  till  sun-set,  give 
not  an  hour  to  idleness.     Say  not  human  nature  cannot 
endure  it.    It  can— it  almost  requires  it.     Sober,  dili- 
gent,  and  moderate  labor  does  not  diminish  it,  b'n^  on 
the  contrary,  greatly  adds  to  the  health,  vigor,  and 
duration  of  the  human  frame.     Thousands' of  the 


^&: 


P 


160 


ORATION. 


human  race  have  died  prematurely  of  diseaae  engen-' 
dered  by  mdolcnce  and  inactivity.  Few,  ve^  few 
:ndeed,  have  .uiTered  by  the  too  long  eontinuanee  of 
boda  y  exertion.  Aa  you  give  the  day  to  labor  so 
devote  t  e  night  to  .st;  for  who  that  L  drunk  Z 
reveled  all  mght  at  a  tippling  shop,  or  wandered  about 
in  search  of  impioua  and  stolen  pleasures,  has  not  by  so 
domg  not  onb^  committed  a  most  heinous  and  damning 

smmthe  sight  of  Heaven,  but  rendered  himself  wholly 
»nfit  for  the  Proper  discharge  of  the  duties  of  the 
commg  day.    Nor  think  that  industry  or  true  happi- 
ness  do  not  go  hand  in  hand;  and  to  him  who  is 
engaged  in  some  useful  avocation,  time  flies  delight- 
ful  y  and  rapidly  away.      He  does  not,  like  the  MIe 
and  mdolent  man,  number  the  slow  hours  with  sigh»- 
cursmg  both  himself  and  them  for  the  tardiness  of 
their  flight.    Ah,  my  friends,  it  is  utterly  impossible 
for  him  who  wastes  time  in  idleness,  ever  to  know 
an- thing  of  true    happiness.      Indolence,  poverty, 
wretchedness,  are  inseparable  eompanions,-fly  them 
shun  Idleness,  as  from  eminent  and  inevitable  destruc^ 
ton.     In  vain  will  you  labor  unless  prudence  and 
economy  preside  over  and  direct  all  your  exertions. 
Remember  at  all  times  that  money  even  in  your  own 
lands,  IS  power;  with  it  you  may  direct  as  you  will 
the  actions  of  your  pale,  proud  brethren.    Seek  after    • 
and  am,ass  it  then,  by  just  and  honorable  means ;  and    ' 
once  in  your  hand  never  part  with  it  b„t  <v,,  „  «.„  ._  j 


TERMINATION  OF  SLAVERY. 


161 


disease  engen- 
Few,  very  tew 
continuance  of 
ty  to  labor,  so 
ias  drunk  and 
andered  about 
,  has  not  bj  so 

and  damning 
imself  wholly 
duties  of  tlie 
T  true  bappi- 

him  who  is 

flies  delight- 
like the  idle 
with  sigha — 
tardiness  of 
y  impossible 
er  to  know 
36,   poverty, 
, — fly  them, 
'.hie  destruc- 
udence  and 
r  exertions. 
Q  your  own 
as  you  will 

Seek  after 

learis;  and 
p  o  A-n  —  J 

■^    til  xuil  UUtl 


iir  equivalent ;  nor  let  that  equivalent  be  something 
which  you  do  not  want,  and  for  which  you  cannot 
j^btain  more  than  it  cost  you.     Be  watchful  and  dili- 

tent  and  let  your  mind  be  fruitful  in  devises  for  the 
onest  advancement  of  your  worldly  interest.  So 
,|hall  you  continually  rise  in  respectability,  in  rank 
^|nd  standing  in  this  go  late  and  so  long  the  land  of 
!|rour  captivity. 

Above  all  things  refrain  from  the  excessive  use  of 

ardent  spirits.     There  is  no  evil  whose  progress  is  so 

.imperceptible ;  and  at  the  same  time  so  sure  and  deadly, 

l^  that  of  intemperance;  and  by  slow  degrees  it  under- 

ines  health,  wealth,  and  happiness,  till  all  at  length 

umble  into  one  dreadful  mass  of  ruin.    If  God  has 

[given  you  children,  he  has  in  so  doing  imposed  upon 

[you  a  most  fearful  responsibility;  believe  me,  friends, 

you  will  answer  to  God  for  every  misfortune  suffered, 

and  every  crime  committed  by  them  which   right 

education  and  example  could  have  taught  them  to 

avoid.    Teach  them  reverence  and  obedience  to  the 

laws  both  of  God  and  man.     Teach  them  sobriety, 

'.temperance,  justice,  and  truth.     Let  their  minds  be 

Tightly  instructed— imbued  with  kindness  and  brother- 

,,ly  love,  charity,  and  benevolence.     Let  them  possess 

Et  least  so  much  learning  as  is  to  be  acquired  in  the 

common  schools  of  the  country.    In  short,  let  their 

fwelfare  be  dearer  to  you  than  any  earthly  enjoyment; 

so  shall    t.llPV   Kp   fVio  -nirtTi/^n*-   ,^f    ^ «.1,1_  1.1 • 

— ,^j   ,j\,  i,Uv  iiviivou  vx  x:aiiu.iy  i;iCBHiuga. 


;!.| 


! 


ill  I 


ml 


162 


ORATION. 


My  countrymen,  let  us  henceforth  reme.  iber  tuat 
we  are  men.  Let  us  as  one  man,  on  this  day  resolvc 
that  henceforth,  by  continual  cndeavorr.  to  do  good  to 
iiil  mankind,  we  will  claim  for  ourselves  the  attention 
and  respect  which  as  men  we  should  possess.  So  shall 
e\ery  good  that  can  be  the  portion  of  man,  bo  oiii-s— 
tliis  liie  shaii  be  happj,  and  the  life  to  come,  glorious. 


The  opmion  of  the  public  regarding  the  celebia^ion 
and  peiformances  of  that  day,  together  witl  the 
behavior  cjf  the  colored  people,  will  be  seen  by  the 
following  short  extract  from  the  Rochester  Daily  Adver- 
tiser, published  soon  after  the  occurrence  of  those 


events: 


"abolition  op  slavery. 


"  The  extinction  of  that  curse  by  the  laws  of  our 
State,  was  marked  with  appropriate  rejoicings  on  the 
part  of  the  African  race  in  this  neighborhood.  A 
procession  of  considerable  length  and  respectable 
appearance,  preceded  by  a  band  of  music,  moved 
from  Brown's  Island  through  the  principal  street^ 
the  public  square,  yesterday  forenoon,  where  a  st?^ .; 
and  seats  were  erecte  I  "or  the  speakers  and  a..>4'c-?  ■'). 
The  throne  of  Grace  was  addressed  by  the  1, ;  r>4r. 
Allen,  a  colored  clergyman.     The  act  declariBir  li' 


t 


TERMINATION  OF  SLAVERY. 


16S 


rth  reme.aber  Umt 
on  this  day  resolv- 
vorR  to  do  good  to 
elves  the  atten+ion 
i  possess.  So  abail 
of  man,  bo  ours — 
to  come,  glorious. 


ng  the  celebici^ion 
ogether  witl:    the 
11  be  seen  by  tl. 
hester  Daily  Adver- 
jurrence  of  those 

:ry.  •    : 

r  the  laws  of  our  I 
rejoicings  on  the 
leighborhood.  A 
and  respectable 
>f  music,  moved 
rincipal  streetj 
n,  where  a  st^gu 
ers  and  a.  '^■c^  ■!.  I 
by  the  1. ;  fiir. 
act  declajritiir  in  'i 


paves  free  in  this  State,  on  the  fourth  day  of  July, 
,  was  read,  which  was  succeeded  by  the  reading 
the  D-^cL'u  \tion  of  Independence  and  delivery  of 
oratirya  by  Mr.  Steward.  We  have  heard  but  one 
<#ii.Ioi  from  several  gentlemen  who  were  present, 
4|d  that  was  highly  complimentary  to  the  composition 
md  delivery  of  the  same. 

if  "  The  exercises  were  concluded  by  a  short  discourse 
from  the  Eev.  Mr.  Allen,  and  the  procession  moved 
cS  to  partake  of  an  entertainment  prepared  for  the 
occasion.  The  thing  was  got  up  in  good  order,  and 
passed  off  remarkably  well.  The  conduct  of  the 
emancipated  race  was  exemplary  throughout,  and  if 
iSkeir  future  enjoyment  of  freedom  be  tinctured  with 
pe  prudence  that  characterised  their  celebration  of  its 
||tainment,  the  country  will  have  no  reason  to  mourn 
,e  philanthropy  that  set  them  free." 


Thus  ended  our  first  public  celebration  of  our  own 
4pd  our  country's  freedom.    All  conducted  themselves 
the  strictest  propriety  and  decorum,  retiring  to 
ir  homes  soberly  and  in  proper  season. 


>-i 


n 


^:4 


CHAPTER    Xyili.     ■ 

CONDITION  OP  ^^  ooLOBED  P^OPM. 

PURSUANT  to  a  call  ri^en  i„  ,., 

I        l«Qn  T.    XI  ^  ^  ^^  *^e  summer  of 

company  .ith  a  frienTto  r^t™'  '  '"^^^  ''  I 
engaged  seats  inside  Mr  cS  '■/""""  P^™-'.'  | 
Utica,  N  Y   fn»I,-  ..    ,  sfe>ge-coach  as  far  s  ^^ 

tulated     in    vain   w.  T       "^'^  ^''^^^  ^e  expos- 

ag~;ajto:::r;itr'n°^'^" 

^0  were  told  to  Uke  the  ouWe^r" '"'*  ^^'' 
remain  behind.  ""'  "oach  or 

Desiring  to  attend  the  convention  „„.,....    ,  . 

— ,  wu  uonuiuaea  to 


go 


ATTEND  COLORED  NATIONAL  CONVENTION.      165 


1,^ 


VIII. 


iED  PEOPLE. 

in  the  summer  of 
^ts  of  Philadelpliia 
ir  race,  I  started  ii 
having  previouslj 
ge-coach  as  far  L 
J  paid  our  fare  the 

isantlj,  but  when 
3d  to  resume  our 
f^e  for  presuming 
were  ordered  to 
u  vain  we  expos- 
e  driver  of   the 
>r  an  inside  seat; 
=>f  the  coach  or 

:  concluded  to  go 


oa^  submitting  to  this  rank  injustice  and  dislionesty, 
until  our  return,  when  wo  determined  to  sue  the  pro- 
prietor of  that  line  of  stages.    An  opportunity  was 
offlsred  soon  after,   when  I  commenced   a  suit  for 
dafltiages  against  Mr.  Sherwood,  who  was  the  great 
stage  proprietor  of  those  days.     lie,  however,  cleared 
himself  by  declaring  that  he  was  in  no  way  responsible 
for  the  failures  of  Mr.  Coo,  to  whom  I  must  look 
fi)r  remuneration.    I  never  found  it  convenient  to  sue 
Mr*  Coe,  and  so  the  matter  ended. 
."We  passed  through  New  Ycrk  City  to  the  place  of 
destination,  where  we  found  many  of  our  brethren 
assembled. 
^Philadelphia,  which  I  now  saw  for  the  first  time,  I 
^aght  the  most  beautiful  and  regularly  laid  out  city 
er  beheld.   Here  had  lived  the  peaceable,  just,  and 
•ciful  William  Penn ;    and  here  many  of  his  ad- 
Kieients  still  reside.    Here,  too,  was  the  place  where 
t^l  Et.  Eev.  Bishop  Allen,  the  first  colored  American 
bi^op  in  the  United  States,  had  labored  so  success- 
f^.     When  the  Methodists  sought  to  crush  by  cruel 
f^udice  the  poor  African,  he  stepped  boldly  forward 
In^defence  of  their  causi^,  which  he  sustained  with 
a  j^al  and  talent  ever  to  be  revered. 
^ thousands  were  brought  to  n   knowledge  of' the 
fcrith,  and  induced  "to  seek  ...rbt  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  and  its  righteousness,"  through  his  instrumen- 


foli+t 


ugn  tae  benign  influence  of  this  good 


11 .  ■<' 


ii  :ll 


..-:<;«3 


•ff'-'r-iK 


*J. 


^^  ^''  *^'  ^OLOKfiD  PEOPLE. 

^an,  frientlh  and  mAono 

^ould  no  more  be  dragged  troJT^'  """"^  '^^^ 
P-ye,  and  told  to  ^eafta™  "t  ti:iT  ''"  " 
iow  much  good  can  r,n„        ^'""'y 'he  door.    Oi, 

-^n  devoted  to  2:21  T^  ""'  Z''"^'"  ""^  * 

«>"«/o.«ep3ofthebCchr"dl~*'""^"«^° 
««  *oy  would  be  done  by-  andll    T*.""'°  '"^^" 
bo"J«  as  bound  with  thl'  "^ '"""^^"""^^""g  ^ose  in 
black  a,  ebony  if  the  .'  T       "'""«'' '"''  ^l^"  I"" 
boaom?    Oh^hat  1  ''^-' ^^  a  brother  beats  in  hi, 

"ghteousju,Wentfan;i:;;';\7'^''  ^'^  j"% 
OP'^"  his  afflic^d  fellowT  *  ''*"S''%  down 

"Ot  like  his  own."  '  ^"^  ""^  '^  ^  »iored 

vice.p„sident'  anT  f  ^1^  ''°''  ^  «'^--<'. 
conyention  which  con«„,,  7        '  '^'^*^'^-     ^he 
-  larKcIy  attend^r;'  d   ""'":  *'^^^  "^"^^ 
-ny  inte^^ting  subje  4  t^'T  1-  '^''"-  '"^ 
the  most  prominent  object^!  t        """"*■  """ 
««e.   Besolutionswereiassel!     Irr""^  "' ""^ 
7  l-^'hren  to  take  some  ae«     on  t^^'^^' 
education    and   mechanism       A         ,      '"^'"^'^  "" 

w-alsor^commendednnd  wt'"''  ^""''^ 
m-  opinion  in  favor  of  h«  ,  „  """''  "«  •"  S^^e 
■^ee  and  „»,  h,^  ;^*^ '"««'- "« "^  -"eans  of  snstc 


n 

m 
m 
bi 
ba 
to 
an 
th 
id( 
^1 
hs 


^'OBlfiD  PEOPLE. 


AGricuLTUBE  PREFERABLE  TO  SERFDOM.       167 


^a^ed    for    his    poo,     4r  , 

ivorship,   where   thev     "  ""^"^  ''''^°''^^  ^^''™^^''''  ^^^  ^^  ^^o«i  are  well 

^^^•^      .neo.  whcu  i.    rw^"^  '"^  *^'  neighborhood  of  their  residence.    I 

■e«  by  the  door.     Oh     5  /  ''''''^'^  ''"''''*  ^^'''^  ^"^  ^''"'^""'^ '  ^""^  ""^^  P'^P^^ 
^nd  faithful  man  do'    J*'"^^ ^'^  ^'^  ^^^^^^  where  they  allow  themselves  to 

nanity-following  in  ^  ,           ?'''"''' ^^  ^^^^  «"^  drawers  of  water;" 

fc;  doing  unto  othei.  T.K      '      ""^'"''''^  '''^'"'''  '^  '^'^  ^"^^^      '*  ^^^re 

^membering  those  in  2 1      '''"'°*'^  ''''^  P"'"''^'"'"  ^  P^'"^  ^^  ^^"d,  cultivate 

t  though  his  skin  be  T  'T'""^"  '*'  '^''^  ""^^^^^  ^^  ''''  '''^'^'  ^°d  happier 

►mother  beate  in  his  1'"  t'^  "'''  ^'  '"  *^'  ''^''^"^  ''^^-  ^*  ^«  ^  °^i«^e^ 

fge  of  character  as  *           ""  "''''^  prejudice  against  color  in  the 

^  would  he  judge  ^^'^'    ^'''''   '^  """''^  everywhere,  but  I  regard  it 
^k  haughtily  down   A    ^T""^  '"^  f     "'''''^'^'  "^^^'^  ^  ^^™^^  ^^  ii^e  less 

^  skin  is  colored  ^Cf "'  '.^       ,'''  ''''''''    ^^^  ^^^  ^^^^  '^^^^  the 

^  descend,  and  tue  earth  bring  forth  her  increase, 
^t  es  readily  for  the  cc       .d  agriculturist  a.  for  his 
pale  face  neighbor.     Yes,  and  our  common  mother 
^tah  will,  when  life  is  ended,  as  readily  open  her 
fosoni  to  receive  your  remains  in  a  la.t  en^brace,  as 
|iat  of  the  haughty  scomer  of  our  rights. 
|In  the  city,  however,  there  is  no  escape  from  the 
pshmg  weight  of  prejudice,  to  ramble  over  fields  of 
£ir  own  cultivation;  to  forget  your  sorrows  in  the 
M^^^/^  that  waves  the  loaded  branches  of  an 

^h  a  gambd  over  the  green  meadow  with  vour  little 
^:^''T  '''  ^-^--^  -d  dismal  fore. 


ne,  and  organized 
dent,  A,  Stewai-d, 

secretary.      The 
sion  three  days, 

of  people,  and 
'  f'isoussed;  but 
t^evation  of  our 

'd  to  encourage 

*>ie  subjects  of 
dtural  pursuits 
low  me  to  giro 
means  of  suste- 


»^,.  -""'"'""c,  anu  aismal  fore- 

r^iB-        "      ""  "  ^^cDu;-,  irom  whence  the  weary 


^ 


wife  retires  to  refresh  hera^If  ;„  u    , 
'J;"  rented  toi,  of  anoier  d  J    wm  "  ^'™'"'  '"' 
think  of  these  and  manv  It,       ,.         ""'  ""^  «»* 
»  country  life  J  "ff  "^™"'"S<'^  '°  ^^or  of 

After  fheeoteofT""*""^' 
"-iness  in  Bochester      ~"™""™'  '  '"'"^^  '»  »/ 

«3  most  other  groeet.  were  .t Th!;  I        ^'""'  •"■=""««'' 

had  never  before  been  call.^  •  ?  ^^^      -^  attention 

*h°".H  I  had.it„rr  t^«J.*°  «-"''M 
now,  when  I  saw  the  r.J  "'"'"  ''"'^ !  b"' 

--eitu/vt~;w:rarn''^^*^^ 

Bome  profits  on  the  sale  of  aieoIoIioT  '  '"'* 

«lso  experienced  a  good  deal  o^        r^'^''"    ^  ''"" 
-icense  allowed  me  toll  !  """'  "''*  ''•     *'' 

gallons;  but  it  wLa  fle^.r"*^'^"  "'^''  «- 

-J^nl^onthepre:!  A  ;L7:;r™  '^"^  ''^ 
t^e  eomplainant.     If  a~!,  ""^  '""»  *"  go  to 

--..hotheas^nVrirrhtr/""" 

woul/^ake  i;;™  rr  '"  '''^  °"'°^'  '"'o 

^hareofthefine.    ;»ldT!        '   "'  ™"^"='  '''^^ 
with  bottles  and  n„r?     .     f' ™'  "^^  ''^^  <="»« 

«/ pleased,  consequently  I  ^aa  c   -^r,      fi  ^ 
to  answer  to  such  complaints.  '^"'^     " 


li 

b 

t 

S( 

101 


c] 
la 

^a 


^e 
Itei 

.^Helii 
Jess, 


OliED  I'KOPLB. 

■  broken  slumber  for 
Will  not  my  friends 
^vantages  in  favor  of 
lingly? 

'»,  I  returned  to  my 

nmenced  about  this 

I  had  been  engaged, 
time,  in  the  sale  of 
ivelj.  My  attention 
allj  to  the  subject, 
ts  direst  evils;  but 

•relight,  I  resolved 
and  making  hand- 
beverages.     Iliad 
uble  with  it.     M\- 
titj  less  than  five 
■tj-five  dollars  if 
the  sum  to  go  to 
got  out  of  funds 
him  to  give  some 
'  to  be  spent  for 
>r  the  other,  who 
and  collect  his 
t  men  who  came 
rom  drinking  it 
vaa  o.cen  called 


i  ABANDON  THE  LIQUOR  TBAPFia  169 

^  One  morning  a  man  entered  my  store  and  called  for 
Mquor,  which  the  clerk  gave  him.  After  drinking  it, 
|e  went  directly  to  the  office  of  A.  House,  Esq.,  and 

fDtered  a  complaint  against  the  clerk  who  had  served 
im;  then  stepped  out  for  consultation  with  his  coun- 
8cl.    At  that  moment  I  arrived  at  the  office  of  the 
magistrate  to  whom  I  immediately  made  complaint 
fgainst  myself,   relating  to  him  also  just  how  the 
fvent  happened.    In  a  few  minutes  the  original  com- 
plainant  returned,  to  whom  'Squire  House  explained 
|hat  he  should  have  arraigned  the  proprietor  of  the 
|tore,  and  not  the  clerk  as  he  had  done.    Determined 
.H|n  making  a  speculation,  however,  he  demanded  a 
frecept    for  myself      The    'Squire,  laughing    most 
Jeartily,  mformed  him  that  he  was  too  late,-that  Mr 
f  teward  had  the  start  of  him,  having  just  entered  a 
fjomplaini;  against  himself,  by  which  he  saves  one  half 
Of  the  fine.    The  man  walked  out,  looking  rather 
I  cheap,"  nor  did  he  or  others  annoy  me  afterwards  by 
r|iakmg  complaints  of  that  kind. 

But  now  I  saw,  as  never  before,  the  sin  of  selling 
,<hat  which  wonld  make  beasts  of  men,  and  only 
ftopped  to  inquire  what  wa^  duty  in  the  matter.  AH 
^e  arguments  in  favor  of  ite  sale  were  more  forcible 
Ihen  than  now.  All  cksses  of  persons  used  and  drank 
t^e  article;  and  it  required  more  moral  courage,  to 
^elmquish  the  business  than  it  does  now.  Neverthe- 
less, It  appeared  plain  to  ny  mind,  that  duty  to  God 


f-  I 


!     f 


!Hi 


:m 


.^.. 


J I 


^^^    w^smm 


H  ^m^iw  \.HhiHi!iij  m\.\^^ 


ifi 


>    H.  mm  \m\  tut  in.,.,,,,,  m   ' 

W>«.    ,  ^      -'"M^'^IW^.         ^H   111,:.   ||„,  !,„„,, 

«.ii:;:^\^tx;,  f '^' r  •""""" '"^ 


''■yfflll' 


li  i i^ii.iHiiii  j|s(i, 

">  nililHilliMiilttt; 
n  il^i  Hiili,     H  111  ii 

t  m\\  iii  iiiH  itiHii 

it^Hiti-N  IiiIhi  Hhiii 
^MHm  |iii)  iiiM  III, 

i^Hlht   tllHllHllMtlsl 
»*'  Hiiil  milMt  NiitI 


n 


HWlHiiliitm  i^ii  iiinjiU'ifiiiHiiit        Hi 

^miiWm  imh'i  niii  .///^  #////^  um  fm^  m 

HlHfilHhii   III  hth:lllilp,  \li.  ^Iilljtl  ifii:      ^  ,    ,^ 

)i/'/|/^  #fN/  ij"  miijiiuiNii  M//    ^  / :  i0/i  mi 
m  in  liii^  hi  wm  mmik  h       mim     V 
*^\m  iiii  iiml  Hit'hi  ^HiihH  t  hm*  o^ H/r  i^ifimn^i 

miinn^ii  \ii  liiiiiijii.fifii^m, 

fi^«Hi  iiii,  Hiji  at  fill.  i/,ifHih/ifi  ^ini-;  inmu0  w 

'in  a  hi  ii^hHiiifnin^ 

lilhH  lihMl  fiuk0  ff  HhHit   HlH^  H  fr^      ,    ■ 

mhti  >^iiii  .fnith^   mH  mfv  mmf  hh^  m  ^v-,  • 
ifii,  jmi>'i  /•  -^  im  'fuim^M  m  hu  <f^  Imfl  -m^  ^^a^* 

'h  iiiN'hii   iiiiM  /#,//  m^  m  fm^/f  #,/  m/ifm/l 


172         CONDITION  OF  FMK  COLORED  noVU. 

often  »U     ciTd  '  r"'  ''^"''''''-    '  "- 
^    •       T  "^am,  mount   his   horae  inrl  ^-^^ 

ss::r :  r  ■  ''^""="'  •'™'^"'^'  -X" 

until  7  ""^  ?<"''"''«  «very  one  he  chanced  to  meet 
unta  the  g.„„na  p.esen,.d  the  appearance  of  a  bZ' 


ft' 


3RED  PEOPLE. 


ible  whisky  or  bad! 
description.  I  havej 
erseer,  after  pouring  | 
his  horae  and  ride 
>'  bruising,  mangling  , 
he  chanced  to  meet,  | 
)earance  of  a  battle 


CHAPTER    XIX. 


PERSECUTION  OP  THE  COLORED  PEOPLE. 


IIILE   the  colored  population  of  New  York 
were  rejoicing  in   the  measure  of  freedom 
lowed  them  by  the  more  wholesome  laws  of  that 
itate,  our  brethren  in  Ohio  were  being  oppressed  and 
maltreated  by  the  unjust  and  odious  "black  laws"  of 
[that  professedly  free  State,  enacted  with  special  refer- 
ence to  the  disposition  of  the  colored  race. 

In  Cincinnati,  0.,  within  sight  of  the  slave  land  of 
Kentucky,  a  terrible  persecution  had  commenced,  and 
an  effort  was  made  to  drive  all  colored  persons  from 
the  place. 

Our  people  had  settled  there  in  large  numbers,  but 

^now  a  m  jb  had  assembled  in  that  city  with  the  deter- 

mination  to  drive  them,  not  only  from  their  homes  and 

city,  but  from  the  State,    A  bloody  conflict  ensued,  in 

I  which  the  white  and   bhck   man's  blood  mingled 


-ir  i-r 


i:ii 


'  1T4       PERSECUTION  OP  THE  COT  n^^r. 

"    iUik  COLORED  PEOPLE. 

untoward  cir^JZ^eTX^^  T"  '"''''  ^^^ 

.      of  the  mob  which  hT.      u       '       '"  ~"'*"""  ^«'"- 

Families  J^t  th"!  f  '""  '^"''^^'^  *-• 

ing  footstep.    The  father  u^  v,  "'''^  "PP"'""'''- 

His  return  from  hi  h,    ^^         ^"""^ '"  *''"'' ''''  °" 
»d  chadre^SetSd;'   h^  ^'""'^  ''''  "'^  ^^'^ 

Meetings  were  h:^  rat:  prs'^?^"'**^- 
l-ving  the  place  where  tWh?;::'  """"=  '"^ 
™     But  where  shou.d\e;     '?  Id'"? 

o.deg.dedh;inS:o^dS:?r~rr 

for  their  own  wante,  and  must  thZTT  ''™"'^' 
superior  ability  of't^l^'^^^'ZTZT'''''''''' 
them.    Indeed  botl,  ,;,    /^^^"'  ^  t^e  care  of 

-ha.eb2::Lt  rs:rrr":~ 

>ine  of  demarkation,  betwe^^'e  j^  °^*'' 

highest  order  of  an  mar-Tuoh"  for  T  '"^  *" 
monke,  or  the  ourang-out^^n^  s^  e^T  '^  *^^ 
vanced  the  absurd  idea,  that  wicW  CaT„!'  """ 

to  them  the  "mark"  which  The   A ,   ^  '™usm,tted 

M-orthemurdorofhist:;^-tSZ:     _ 


''flBII^^/i»smn^,m 


SED  PEOPLE. 

be  scene,  that  our 
remain  under  such 
2d  in  constant  fear 
nd  terrified  them. 
2d  at  every  breath 
)f  every  approach- 
ilj  in  fear,  lest  on 
ould  find  his  wife 
ie  left  desolate. 
IS  and  means  for 
been  so  cruelly 
?o?     And  why 
3  State  of  Ohio  ? 
e,  as  in  all  parts 
^  looked  down 
:  little  above  the 
le  separate  class 
JlJect  to  provide 
3  depend  on  the 
3  take  care  of 
mts  of  eminent 
i-esearch  for  the 
Hcan  and  the 
Qstance  as  the 
'ven,  have  ad- 
in  transmitted 
?Iityset  upon 
that  he,  (who 


THE  COLORED  RACE  NOT  INFERIOR. 


175 


lihen  must  have  survived  the  deluge),  is  the  progenitor 

of  that  despised  and  inferior  race — the  negro  slave  of 

ihe  United  States  of  America ! 

.  If  it  be  true,  that  the  natural  inferiority  of  the  black 

man,  connects  him  so  closely  with  the  animal  creation, 

it  looks  passing  strange  to  me  that  he  should  be  made 

fesponsible  for  the  violation  of  laws  which  he  has 

heen  declared  too  imbecile  to  aid  in  framing  or  of 

comprehending.     Nor  is  it  less  strange  to  see  him 

enslaved  and  compelled  by  his  labor  to  maintain  both 

his  master  and  himself,  after  having  declared  him 

incapable  of  doing  either.    Why  not  let  him  go  then  ? 

Why  hold  with  an  unyielding  grasp,  so  miserable  and 

useless  a  piece  of  property  ?    Is  it  benevolence  that 

binds    him    with   his    master's    chain?     Judge    ye. 

l|Btranger  still  is  the  fact  of  attaching  such  vast  influ- 

lence  to  his  presence  and  so  much  concern  regarding 

|iis  movemeniB,  when  in  a  state  of  freedom,  if  indeed, 

^e  is  of  so  little  worth  and  consequence,  and  so  nearly 

related  to  the  brutes  that  perish. 

'-'    Surely,  the  Legislatuxe  of  Ohio,  or  of  any  other 

State,  would  never  feel  called  upon  to  sit  in  grave 

.counsel,  for  the  purpose  of  framing  laws  which  would 

.^impose  fine  and  imprisonment  on  a  monkey,  should 

om  chance  to  locate  within  its  jurisdiction;  nor  would 

^they  think  it  advisable  for  the  court  to  assemble,  or  a 

jury  to  be  empanneled,  to  drive  from  their  midst  an 

ourang-outang.     And  yet  this  and  more  must  be  done 

to  get  rid  of  the  hated  negro,  who  has  beei)  born  in 


.till 


i<  1 


'      ^'^^        ^PERSECUTION  OP  THF  rnrr^r. 

THE  COLORED  PEOPLE. 

••epon  them  to  be  ^C"^'"'^'^  P"?'^''''''-. 
vicious  claas  of  pe  3ou!"    ,        f'  ''"P™"^™*.  -1 

f-vored  of  that  race     kZ  ■  ""^  "^  *'  ™°-^' 

"f  *■>«  W,  and  ft^rirdfTh'^' ''■"'=""' 
PovTOr  of  prejudice  it  K  ^      '    '"'  W^^ive 

them  to  Z  to  t  If  "7"  '""<'^'  ™P°-b:e  fo, 

and  for  whilV  the'      °^      '^  ""'  ''"'°"''  *"  *"' 
a-Iif.theC.  t  oVtWhr"^^  "  "^^"■' 
of  their  God.given  hIL    Z^  T"'  ''""  -^bed 
tried  friend,  in  Cinoinnau"  "  ''""™  '^  -' 

t'-e^TorLnXtrrr*^^--'^- 

In  aeeordanee  with  tL  S  l!  ^"^  "°  ^'"'^^^■ 
-<»  an  agent  to  obtain  C't'lrr"  '"f ' 
^ceessful  to  seleet  and  pm^ha^  a  ^  ,  '''^  ^"^  ^^ 
making  sueh  arrangement  wt  f  T'  °^  ''^^' 
«peed^ removal  to Idrnl  .„  T '"' '" *^"- 
tl-ir  appointed  agemwb    .f  '"''''  ^^™  ^"^ 

Upper  LadaJplL';*^'^^  ^mediately  for 

the  present  we  win  Wh'"T°"'  ""  *^'«  ^- 

ou...orefavoredt:ht:rc;::frr 

Z7''''  ^"  '^-  ™t-ged  count;Ie:  f  a '"" 
naf;  a  sympathy  equaled  only  bv  f "".'".  ^'"'=">- 
nt  the  rar.  n  „f  ,,,_,    ,  '•'^  "y  their  md.Knatioi. 


i 

■I14J 

•iti 

fWII 

Ait 


""•i^u 


ORED  PEOPLE. 

protection  from  the 

I'ough  this  countrjr, 
colored  population' 
t,  improvident,  and 
ould  consider  some 
he  way  of  the  most 
3  thej  do,  the  rigor 
<^o,  the  oppressive 
lost  impossible  for 
re  designed  to  mi, 
hties  as  certainly 
lever  been  robbed 
us  return  to  our 


CANADA  SELECTED  AS  AN  ASYLUM. 


177 


hat  thej  could  of 
)lon7  in   Canada, 
lej  agreed  to  first 
ttle  there,  and  i£ 
rge  tract  of  land, 
ght  best  for  their 
Israel  Lewis  was 
immediately  for 
i;  and  therefor 
rn  to  Eochester 
^ork  felt  a  deep 
"len  in  Cincin- 
leir  indication 


®  A  meeting  expressive  of  their  views  and  feelings 
on  that  subject,  was  convened  in  the  city  of  Eochester, 
cfcring  which,  the  following  preamble  and  resolutions 
Itere  read  and  unanimously  adopted : 


Whereas,  The  city  of  CincinnRti  has  again  become  the  scene  of 
•pother  dreadful  mob  and  bloodshed,  where  nothing  bui  terror  and 

cm  fusion  reigned  for  a  number  of  hours  together. 

1 

And  Whereas,  Our  brethren  and  fellow  citixens  were  left  exposed 
to  the  fury  of  an  ungovernable  mob,  made  up  of  the  base,  the  igno- 
rint,  and  vile,  the  very  dregs  of  society ;  and  probably  led  on  by 
•lAvcholders,  who  of  all  men  ai-e  tlie  most  execrable  ;  while  boasting 
(^liberty,  he  tramples  oa  the  dearest  rights  of  men  and  is  the 
gnBattist  robber  of  it  ou  earth. 

/'Resolved,  That  we  deprecate  an  appeal  to  arras  by  any  class  of  our 
^()w  citizens,  except  in  extreme  cases,  and  we  think  that  such  a 
«KBc  has  been  presented  in  the  late  outrage  at  Cincinnati. 

Resolved,  That  when  a  class  of  men  so  far  forget  the  duty  they  owe 
Id  God,  their  fellow  men,  and  their  country,  as  to  trample  under  their 
|iet  the  very  laws  they  have  made,  and  are  iit  duty  bound  to  obey 
•lad  execute,  we  beUeve  it  to  be  th^  duty  of  our  brethren  and  fellow 
•teizens,  to  protect  their  lives  against  such  lawless  mobs ;  and  if  in  the 
inflict,  any  of  the  motocrats  perish,  every  good  citizen  should  say 
lunen. 

Resolved,  That  we  do  truly  sympathize  with  the  friends  of  God's 

foor ;  the  friends  of  the  oppressed,  throughout  this  lioastcd  land  of 

tfborty,  in  the  losses  they  have  nustained  in  connnjucnce  of  the  mob. 

Remdved,  That  we  bolicve  the  time  is  not  tar  distant,  when  the 

City  of  tkt  Wed,  shall  be  redeemed  from  the  hateful  influence 

the  slaveholder ,  redeemed  from  that  cniel  prejudice  ol  paste  which 

igs  like  a  mill-stoae  around  the  uock  of  our  people  ;  redcome<( 

#w7*»wiB  ail  IuOm  uutn{UHl  !aw8,  wiuch  iiavo  a  tendency  to  makti  1)19 


'J^  ^-' 


178 


PERSECUTION^  OP  THE  rnr«^„  * 

lOE   COLORED  PEOPLE. 


«rong3tronger  and  the  ^eak  weaker- r..  , 

Wted  friends,  ^Lose  sarcastic  smile    :  ''  '""^  ""^^'^^^ 

frowns  of  an  open  enen,;,.  "  '"''"^  *«  ^«  ^^^^ed  than  tb 

«S:td::;:;rs.::r  "^-^^-^-—e i„., 

•>^  Ohio  .iU  not  long  .e  what  L": ^  7"!"^^^^  ''"  ^^^  «'^'' 

«"  account  of  her  iniquitous  j,,, .  buU.r.     ^''"^  "'"'  '^"""'■^ 

nan-ow  ,„inded  prejudice,  and  r^;e  un  1      t  ""' ""  ^^^«  -- 

and  place  them  on  an  equalitv  "th M        -     ""  "'  '''"^'^"^ 

^-''W,  That  we  d      ,     .  ''''  "^  ^''^  *'"'^«"«- 

Mr.  Israel  lewis  made  his  wav  b,  P      j 
iav,„g  obtained  permission  to  2mu  ^f'  '"'  • 
bargained  with  the  Canada  r  "°'™y'  ^' 

of  land,  for  whilh  e  ':j7^°'^"r'-^^^^^ 
tad,  in  a  few  da,s,  :^tLZZ  r""^ 
"a",  by  way  of  Kochester.     TV  tor  """ 

colored  people,  had  in  thameon  ^  !    \  ^'^^'''' 
Aeir  flight  from  their  hom^s^h         made  ready  for 
from  this  boasted  free  ReDub  '  ^  T^"  ''""'  ^^ 
«>e  cold  and  dr^aj  JJr  f  Cat  7' '' '"'"'^""^ '" 
protection  from  the  Enl^h        "'"''''  '^  «'*™  *tat 
been  denied  them    nh'tnTrr' ;''"''  '^ 
'ike  the  overtasked  IsJelits  .<!  ""*'■  ""' 

*eir  wives  and  their  ^T:^':^^':'''  ^*' 
poasessions.  '    ^'^^  ^^^^  smaller 

During  the  gtay  of  Mr   T.^-     •     ^ 


>RED  PEOPLE. 

deemed  from  their  fake 
're  to  be  feared  than  tL. 


LEAVE  ROCHESTER  FOR  CANADA. 


179 


ir  ^-iends,  and  the  ind. 
^arantees  that  the  Stat, 
a  hissing  ami  bj-w,.,, 

he  will  rise  aoove  even 
ble  sons  and  daughttii 
f  her  citizens, 
our  friends  hare  sus- 
'Sin  Cincj-j  ati. 

'^^i  oa   d.itytogive 
rers  in  our  cause. 

to  Canada,  and 
lish  a  colony,  he 
for  one  township 
paj  the  money 
urned  to  Cincin- 
*oor,   pereecuted 

made  readj  for 
ative  land,  and 
^  a  residence  in 
to  claim  that 
5nt  which  had 
'ir  birth;   and 
^ent  out  with 
'  with  smaller 


*  '^^"-•i^  x»3  LUX",     ii^ 


ported  tiere  and  elficwherc,  that  eleven  hundred 

rsona  were  then  in  the  dense  woods  of  Canada  in  a 

iftate  of  actual  starvation,  and  called  upon  the  humane 

•Everywhere,  to  assist  tliem  in  such  extreme  suffering. 

T*"  me  he  also  told  the  story  of  their  destitution, 

'«rhich  affected  me  deeply.     I  had  at  that  time  just 

'%nside  a  public  profession  of  my  faith,  in  the  christian 

religion  and  my  determination  to  be  governed  by  its 

J^oly  precepts.     I  felt  for  the  distressed  and  suffering 

everywhere ;  but  particularly  for  those  who  had  fled, 

poor  and  destitute,  from  cruel  task-masters,  choosing 

rather  the  sufferings  of  cold  and  hunger,  with  liberty, 

Ithan  the  meager  necessities  of  life  and  Slavery.    T 

aconcluded  to  go  to  Canada  and  try  to  do  some  good ; 

/^  be  of  some  little  service  in  the  great  cause  of 

iiumanity. 

As  soon  as  practicable  therefore,  I  left  Rochester  for 

iToronto,  the  capital  of  Upper  Canada,  which  I  found 

*Tquite  a  thriving  town,  and  containing  some  fine  brick 

ilDuildings,  and  some  I  saw  were  built  of  mud,  dried  in 

*the  sun,  wearing  rather  a  poor  than  pretty  appearance. 

At  Toronto  we  hired  a  team  to  take  us  on  to  Ancaster, 

fifty  miles  distant.     We  traveled  now  through  a  new 

country;  the  roads  were  very  bad,  and  the  inhabitants 

few.    We,  however,' reached  Ancaster,  a  small  village, 

where  we  remained  one  night  and  next  morning  pursu- 

K9  ed  our  journey  to  the  settlement  of  the  poor  fugitn  ..j 


ti 


After   Some 


1  _  -.  1 
auru 


iraveiiug,    «/& 


Jii) 
If 


ISO       PERSECUTION  OF  THE  Cornpi^T. 

iilJfi  COLORED  PEOPLE. 

stance,.    Our  fu'l         "  '''""  ''''*"'*  «'«"■»• 
they  could  1      Trr".'"''^"''  •'"'  '^  «-"  " 

«oumo  their  lands  must  be  eIcarod!f .. f'  ""^  "' 
before  crops  could  be  .ot  i^T        1'  heavy  timber 

deal  of  destitution  and's  ff"ri  !Tv"'^^r"  "  ^"' 

could  ripen  after  .),„  i    7      ^    ^""^  *'■''  '>""'«»' 

The  Z  ^l  T         '"^  P^'^P''^'''^  ''^  ^l-e  seed. 

consisj  'oft  ,e/Tl  ""  ''^  "'"'^'"^"''  -''->■ 
called  to  LtZ\'  "*"'  "  -""^""g  -- 
suggested,^  f'VZS'  T:  '"™""  -- 
honorof  ho„;.;L,^,^  """"""^'^  '<'  "»>»  it  in 
-"  me  bi(..„t  philanthropist,  Wilberfr,r^»  Tk- 
was  carried,  and  the  township  ioL  fhl !  ?  ' 
known  by  that  name      l7       .  '  ""^  •"="" 

known  as' the  C:  tI^:  ^^^  ^  f  *  " 
District,  and  is  ft,„        I     ^  ^°"°'y'  ^"don 

w.  rntro:t:i\^-="-^ 

pany  of  Irish  n^^^i       i.  '  ^^^^  ^  com- 

on  L  wrr irtorhtt,  r:?-  -" 

i.^ay^ndus«ou3a„den.r;^:;Xr^^^^^ 
stream  of  anvm»Jn  ^^-^^^nie,  with  but  one 

yea.    AlW.tlrWtoTL'T/'*^ 

would  .mpa.  well  wuht:rf°;rr;et^!? 


iiiss 


|l-^!| 


ED  PEOPLE. 

'e  we  found  our 
destitute  circum- 
',  but  as  good  as 
^  one  unbroken 
'  colony,  and  of 
the  heavy  timber 
there  was  a  great 
)re  their  harvest 
^d  for  the  seed. 
3ttlement,  which 

a  meeting  was 
Several  were 

to  name  it  in 

berforce.    This 

t  time  has  been 

'd  on   what  is 

'ounty,  London 

3  township  of 

,  were  a  com- 

township,  and 

Welshmen,  a 
>le. 

5  inhabitants,' 
with  but  one 
h  it;  this  was 
part  of  the 
'  timber,  that 

1  New   Vr-.rl- 


PBODUCB    OF  THE  SETTLEMENT. 


lai 


Beech,  maple,  ash,  elm,  oak,  whitewood,  bass,  balm 
of  gilead,  &g.     The  soil   was  good  for  corn,  wheat, 
jyc,  oats,  and  most  kinds  of  the  grain  and  vege- 
tables raised  in  New  York,  and  was  a  superior  grazing 
'  country,  about  lifteen  miles  from  London.     This  waa 
fa  village  containing  perhaps  thirty  dwellings,  and  two 
I  hundred  inhabitants ;  a  court-house  and  jail  all  under 
'  one  roof,  built  of  stone  and  plastered ;  small  doors  and 
windows  in  the  style  of  some  of  the  old  English 
castles.     London  was  built  in  the  forks,  or  between 
the  east  and   west  branches  of  the  river  Thames; 
hence,  you  would  hear  people  speak  of  "going  to  the 
forks,"  instead  of  the  village;  it  is  about  two  hundred 
miles  from  Buffalo,  and  the  nearest  port  between  the 
two  is  Port  Stanley,  thirty  miles  from  London. 

I  returned  from  Canada,  where  I  had  seen  an 
oppressed  people  struggling  with  the  hardships  and 
privations  of  a  new  settlement;  I  had  seen  wretched- 
ness in  some  places,  but  by  no  means  sufficient  to 
justify  the  report  made  by  Mr.  Lewis,  and  I  deter- 
mined I  would  remove  there  with  my  family,  and  do 
sll  in  my  power  to  assist  the    colored,  people   in 

Canada. 

I  had  witnessed  a  disposition  on  the  part  of  some 
to  prevent  our  brethren  from  settling  in  Wilberforce, 
while  the  colonizationists  made  a  grand  argument  of 
it  in  favor  of  their  wicked  policy.     All  must  see  that 

ti>     l-*«AA*n^«    rt    ^i-»rt/*aoi+TT   -n^i-fV*     +lir\CiJ    TirVirt    flp^i      tC%     t   itillOQO 


,h1 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


// 


€.0 


^^ 


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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

Wi:BSTER,N.Y.  14580 

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182 


PEBSECtmOH  OF  ME  COLORED  PEOPM. 


to  aave  themselves  from  constant  abuse  or  ftom 
Slavery,  and  in  some  instances  their  lives-  andZ 
because  they  admitted  the  justice  of  one  p^In  ^' 
Am»»n  cju.ns  driving  another  from  thdr  nati 

All  these  things  taken  into  consideration,  deter- 

«P  -•>«  asylum  for  the  oppressed,  who:,  our  cokred 

fcenda  could  obtain  a  home,  and  whe«,  brtS 

ndustry  they  could  obtain  a  competency  for  them 

-Ives,  besides  providing  a  safe  retLt  for  thi  IZ 

Hrti^i^:'"*^  ^"  "---^  -^'^--. " 

I  felt  willing  to  make  any  sacrifice  in  my  power  to 

m7d  ""''  f':,';  ""  '^-^^^S  to  the  ne^ZoT 
mydown-trodden  countrymen.  How  far  my  d'ire 
has  been  accomplished  God  only  knows  but  iZ 
W  that  the  pu^t  motives  i  Juenc  J  me  Ld  at 
honest  purpose  directed  mv  sten,  i ,   . 

were,  Judas-hke,  who  "cared  not  for  the  poor-  but 
b^a^se  he  was  a  thief  and  had  the  bag,'and  b^^ 
wh^t  was  put  the«,i„,"  made  g^at  exertions  f^" 

ZZtZt  1 '''  T""'"' ''  "^  -» '-^- 

oDjec  with  by  far  too  great  a  number  of  the  colonists- 
lienco.  our  future  difficu)*:  _  colonists, 


fC': 


CHAPTER    XX. 


i  -i 


REMOVAL  TO  CANADA. 

TN  1830,  I  closed  my  business  in  Rochester,' pre. 
X    paratorj  to  leaving  for  Canada.     Some  of  my 
friends  thought  I  had  better  remain  in  the  States  and 
direct  emigrants  to  Wilberforce;   while  others  were 
certam  I  could  benefit  them  more  by  going  myself  at 
once,-the  latter  I  had  determined  to  do;  but  as  the 
time  drew  near  for  me  to  start,  an  unaccountable 
gloominess  and  forebodings  of  evil  took  possession  of 
my  mmd.    Doubts  of  the  practicability  of  the  under- 
taking began  to  arise,  though  nothing  unfavorable  had 
occurred.     To  the  throne  of  grace,  I  often  bore  the 
subject  and  besought  my  Heavenly  Father  to  enlighten 
my  mind,  and  direct  my  steps  in  duty's  path  regarding 
It;  but  to  confess  the  truth,  I  never  received  any  great 
encouragement  from  that  source,  though  it  occupied 
my  mind  constantly.    During  the  hours  of  slumber  I 
"""V  ^-"^o  suiiucu  by  irigiitiui  dreams,— 


« 


184 


REMOVAL  TO  CANADA. 


k>*s 


Bometimes  I  thought  I  saw  a  monstrous  serpent  as 
large  as  a  log  stretched  across  the  road  between 
Kochester  and  the  Genesee  Eiyer;  at  another  I 
thought  myself  in  the  air  so  high  that  I  could  have  a 
foil  view  of  the  shores  of  Lake  Ontario,  and  they 
were  alive  with  snakes;  and  then  I  saw  a  large  bird 
Ike  an  eagle,  rise  up  out  of  the  water  and  fly  toward 
the  south.  J'        «xu 

Notwithstanding  these  omens,  I  turned  my  steps 
toward  Wilberforce.    In  May,  1831,  we  bid  adieu  i 
our  fnends   in    Eochester,   and  taking   passage    to 
Buffalo  on  a  canal  boat,  we  arrived  in  due  time,  and 
from  whence  we  sailed  for  Port  Stanley,  or  as  it  is 
sometimes  caUed,  Kettle  Creek.    It  took  a  we^k  to 
make  this  trip,  which,  with  favorable  wind  might  1 
been  made  in  two  days.     The  mouth  of  the  creek 
makes  a  safe  harbor  at  that  place,  where  there  is  also 
a  dock,  one  ware-house  and  several  farm  houses.   The 
place  wa^  then  very  wild  and  picturesque  in  its  appear- 
ance;   we  did  not  stop  long,  however,  to  admire  its 
beauty,  but  engaged  a  farmer  to  take  us  on  co  London 
Ten  miles  on  our  way,  and  we  came  to  a  newly  laid 
out  village,  called  St.  Thomas,  from  whence  we  pur- 
sued  our  journey  through  a  new  countiy  to  London    ^ 
where  we  arrived  tired  and  hungry,  and  put  up  for 
the  night  with  a  Mr.  Faden.    There  I  purchased  a 
span  of  horses  for  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  and 
puttmg  them  before  a  new  lumber  wagon  brought  on 


ARRIVAL  WITH  FAMILY  AT  WILBERFORCE.     185 

from  Eochester,  we  started  for  our  wild  and  new  home 
in  good  spirits,  at  which  we  arrived  in  good  time. 

The  colony  was  comprised  of  some  fourteen  or 
fifteen  families,  and  numbered  some  over  fifty  persons 
in  all.  The  first  business  done  after  my  arrival,  was 
to  appoint  a  board  of  managers,  to  take  the  general 
oversight  of  all  the  public  business  of  the  colony. 
The  board  consisted  of  seven  men,  chosen  by  the 
settlers,  and  as  I  was  now  one  of  them,  they  gave  me 
the  office  of  President.  It  was  also  resolved  by  the 
board,  to  send  out  two  agents  for  the  purpose  of  soli- 
citing  aid  for  the  erection  of  houses  for  worship,  and 
for  the  maintenance  of  schools  la  the  colony. 

The  Kev.  N.  Paul  was  chosen  one  of  their  agents, 
and  he  received  from  me  a  power  of  attorney,' 
authorising  him  to  collect  funds  for  the  above  purposes 
in  England,  Ireland,  and  Scotland ;  the  other,  I.  Lewis 
was  empowered  to  solicit  and  collect  funds  for  the 
same  objects  in  the  United  States. 

Preparations  were  immediately  made  to  fit  Mr.  Paul 
out  for  his  mission  to  England,  from  whence  he  was  to 
remit  any  funds  he  might  receive  to  Arthur  Tappan, 
of  New  York  City;  first  to  paj^  for  his  outfit,  and 
afterwards  to  the  treasurer  of  the  board  of  managers, 
for  the  support  of  schools  in  "Wilberforce.  Mr.  Paul' 
however,  still  lacked  money  to  proceed  to  England, 
and  therefore  went  to  Eochester,  where  he  found  my 
old  and  tried  friend  Everard  Peck;  who  was  ever 


''T^'™™"^'°Y"i.iiiiirg  li  -.. 


186 


REMOVAL  TO  CANADA. 


memory  is  still  dear  tr'  ,1,  f  ^        ""*"'  "''«» 

•■ispo^erofattoXa;  !"'.*•  ^''"'  ^^--^ 

«ver  his  wont   wher^l  '"'^'  and  as  waa 

(twhnotoi:?  e'iiir^^^^"'^'"^ 

Through  the  kind  influener^t^  7  C'  '."  """"^ 

the  colored  friends  in   that"  „f  '  ""^ '°'"'' °^ 

hundr^  doUa™  was  drawn  L^'  \T  ""  ^™'' 

^^^hed  at   the   sZt    ZT  "T^  ^^ ^'- ^- ^"^ 

-^e  the  ™ya,ewirtl::t!:;  *■>---  to 

England,  and  collected  o„;  Ji  ^  ^"    ^"^  '■''«'='>«' 

enti^^ly  failed  ilZTre^^  'T"''  "'-"O"^^'  •>« 
M--  Tappan  or  «  m"  ^  ™"^' ^''^^^ '<> 
hundred  llh^  «  d^l  P  T  "'  "^^" 
«o  pay,  and  lose  it    It  w^"l"f '  ''"'  *"««' 

any  of  the  friends  th.  "^  P"'"*'''  ""^  had 

paying  i,  inti  :  ZTd  '"  -""^  """^  *°-"^ 

-Mandgotnl^tlr"?/^'''''"'''^^ 
thing,  however  th.f  ,1.  ^^^^^  ^^^  one 

He  ^;. :::::' ";~  r  "-^  "^^  ^°- 

the  success  of  f,;-  '      ''^"P  """  advised  of 

he  had1^:n1wt~::  Td  r  '''°™-  »"  ««" 
a  farthing  co^d  we  "^W  ""  °?™'*'  ""'  -' 
again.  reminding'Lof  I   It  ^  '«*'°  '"<' 

-easiness  of  his^CdslL^nToff   T'  *« 
P-^osc-the  Atlantic  w.rr;;:-^';- 


III 


WSHOKEST  AGENTS. 


187 


support  of 
an,  whose 
il  showed 
wiing  him 
tid  as  was 
is  pursQ 
3  service. 

some  of 
3r  seven 
^  P.  and 
igent  to 
reached 
tiey,  but 
ither  to 
seven 
obliged 
lor  had 
awards 
11  they 
w  one 

do,^ 
Jed  of 
3  that 
It  not 
I  and 
i  the 
io  no 

was 


making  money  too  easily,  to  like  to  be  interrupted. 
He  never  paid  one  dollar. 

Let  us  now  look  after  the  other  agent,  who  had 
likewise  been  fitted  out,  to  prosecute  liis  mission  in 
the  States.     That  he  collected  money  professedly  for 
the  assistance  of  the  colony,  is  too  well  known  to 
require  proof,  but  how  much,  we  could  not  determine; 
we  had  reason  to  believe^  however,  that  he  retained 
quite  a  large  sum.     He  would  neither  pay  it  over  to 
the  board,  nor  give  any  account  of  his  proceedings. 
Very  little  did   he  ever  pay  over  to  the  aid  of  the 
colony  as  designed.     He  was  frequently  written  to, 
and  every  means  in  our  power  used,  to  induce  him  to 
give  some  account  of  his  mission,  but  in  vain ;   he 
would  do  nothing  of  the  kind.    Things  went  on  in 
this  way  for  two  years,  when  it  became  evident  that 
he  had  no  intention  of  satisfying  the  minds  of  the 
settlers;  and  farther,  that  he  meant  to  collect  what  he 
could,  and  use  it  as  he  pleased.     We  learned  too,  that 
when  abroad,  he  lived  extravagantly,— putting  up  at 
the  most  expensive  hotels,  giving  parties,  and  doing 
many  things,  not  only  beyond  his  means,  but  that 
brought  dishonor  on  the  cause  and  colony.    When  he 
returned  to  the  settlement,  he  would,  if  he  had  funds, 
make  presents  to  his  particular  friends  instead  of 
paying  it  to  the  treasurer,  as  he  was  pledged  to  do, 
until  the  majority  of  the  colony  became  thoroughly 
disgusted  with  his  heartlessness  and  dishonesty.    It 


fci 


188 


REMOVAL  TO  CANADA. 


was  also  perceivable  that  Lewis  anrl  P    i  i,    , 

getting  wear,  of  the  soIiciLZTof  :^^^^  bV^ 

oomplainta  of  thp  <,^hi«        T  ™  *'°"<*  and 

of  «L,  and  »Lf "'.:;'  "^'^  "---  «o  be  rid 
^^^^        and  enjoy  their  .1]  gotten  gains  in  their  o,,n 

--;bntto:n;rj:^;rir;?;^«-. 

were  able  to  work  nn.1  ^-^  *^®  ^^^^^^^ 

a>ong^„itep,:ir  '■"'"^"-'"^^^""'^ 

get?2i::;,''j;™^--y-n.i„  .ain,to 

tie.  waa  nothtg  l^r;::,,  ^  °^"  "'^  '''"^'^• 
public  against  hL  T       v,        '''''  •*"*  *"  ^"^  'ho 

and  in  the  Stites     r„T?'.  '''^'^"^^  °^  C^'da 

li.HWn.atchin:aX   f^lirS  *""'.'''"«  ^ 
was  intense  on  the  mrf  %•  ^^  '    ^^^  excitement 

-  Joined  ;t'renl^r/pi;'^/7^^  '''' 
*%  could,  the  board  of         'Z    TL  7' '' 

theon,y„en.berofthatdevo:TbJdwhTr;     1 
to  be  extensively  known  in  th^  «*   "■*'"•  ''aPPened 

^ere  all  pouri     °  ° '"*"  ^'^'^^  ^^i^  anathemas 

b-ght  i:^  o  i:i:r;?"  ^^^^  ^''«■^- 

-^  few  in  number,  iHs  L7buf  ^f "     ^''^ 
and  I  had  little  to  sLd  in  ul ,       T    "''  """^y- 


StALlGNITT  OP  AGENTO.  IQQ 

means  of  paying  them  swept  away.    The  Canadians 
seemed  to  think  there  waa  no  harm  done  if  Lewis  did 
get  money  out  of  the  "Yankees,"  as  long  as  it  eamo 
into  their  hands  at  last,  and  so,  on  tlie  whole,  they 
raised  a  tremendous   storm,   designed,   however,   to 
sweep  nobody  away  but  myself;    and  I  have  con- 
tmued  to  this  day,  notwithstanding  all  their  artful 
malignity.      Nothing,  I  am  persuaded,  could   have 
saved  me  from  imprisonment  at  that  time,  had  I  not 
possessed  a  high  reputation  for  truth  and  honesty 
during  my  previous  sojourn  in  the  colony. 

Lewis  had  dealt  somewhat  extensively  with  Mr. 
Jones,  who  was  the  principal  agent  for  the  Canada 
Company;  but  failing  to  fulfil  his  agreement,  regard- 
mg  the  payment  for  a  large  tract  of  land,  it  so 
exasperated  Mr.  Jones,  that  he  declared  he  would 
have  nothing  to  do  with  any  of  the  colored  people; 
and  so  when  I  wanted  to  buy  a  lot  of  land,  he  would 
not  sell  it  to  me  because  he  so  despised  Lewis. 

How  much  harm  can  one  wicked  man  do  I  and  yet 
ifc  cannot  be  right  to  judge  the  character  of  a  whole 
class  or  community  by  that  of  one  person. 


I  'ill 


if 


CHAPTEK    XXX. 


K  "^7^  ^"P*"^'"  °f  '""'"'  I  have  so 
East  Wcomtfy  il-"  '  """'"""^  '*^  *''« 

extending  fo,„  !„„.,„„  TlIL  H«i^""^  ''"''" 
m  out  a  village,  named  Godttl  ^v '  "S  :.  ''^^ 
from  Wilberforee.     With  thi,  ^  **"" 

M  contz^ed  for  a  towi  ^r.  ^T"^'  *""•  ^^'^ 
Cineinnati  refugees  •  W  S  ' '"  "^^^  ''"'  *« 

the  eompau,  1^  elldT  r  Jf  "^"'^ 

^£e.id£-ttri-;:if-7: 

foot  of  land  to  any  colored  person  whatever"   i 


./   ■* 


prove 

prosp( 

The 

commi 

colore( 

bial  li 

purcha 

Compa 

were  j 

Freden 

purcha 

which 

inent. 

theconj 

none  c( 

which 

constru( 

fleventj 

Mr.  Ingi 

ment  foi 

this  agri 

within  tl 

sell  to  A 

knowing 

offer,  anc 

it  to  me 

dollars  w 

was  glad 


Have  80 
'  wealthy 

like  tlie 
e  title  of 
chased  a 

Tract," 
ere  ihey 
i  distant 
".  Lewis 
'  for  the 
lemand, 
yment; 
ng  any 

Jones 

sell  a 

This 


1.IUEHAUTV  or  THE  SOOIETV  OF  rHIE.ND3.     191 

proved  to  be  one  of  the  greatest  detriments  to  the 
prospenty  of  the  colony  it  ever  met. 

The  Society  of  Friends  at  this  time,  however,  with 
commendable  sympathy  for  the  oppressed  and  abased 
colored  residents  of  Cincinnati,  and  with  their  prover- 
b«l  hber^lity,  raised  a  sum  of  money  sufficient  to 
purchase  eight  hundred  acres  of  land  of  the  Canada 
Company  for  the  benefit  of  the  colony.    The  funds 
were  placed  in  .the  hands  of  one  of  their  number, 
IVedenck  Stover,  who  went  to  Canada  as  their  agent 
P^hased  the  land,  and  settled  colored  people  upon  it, 
which  comprised  nearly  all  of  the  Wilberfbrce  settle^ 
ment.    This  occurred  before  I  settled  in  Canada,  and 
the  consequence  was,  when  I  desired  to  purehase  land, 
none  could  be  obtained.    At  the  time,  however,  of 
which  I  am  speaking,  the  Canada  Company  were 
constructing  a  road  through  their  possessions,  some 
seventy  mdes  m  length,  and  the  pri.  pal  contractor, 
Mr.  IngersoU,  had  agreed  to  take  land  in  part  pay; 
ment  for  his  services  on  the  road.    In  accordance  with 
this  agreement,  he  accepted  one  lot  of  land  situated 
wi  bn  the  Wdberforce  settlement,  which  he  agreed  to 
m  to  Mr.  Lewis  for  twenty-flve  dollara.    Mr.  Lewis 
knowing  that  I  was  anxious  to  purchase,  ac^pted  the 
offer,  and  then  came  and  showed  the  contract,  offering 
't  to  me  on  condition  that  I  paid  him  the  twenty-flv: 
dolto  which  he  had  just  paid  Mr.  Ingei^oU.    This  I 
was  glad  to  do;  I  paid  the  demand;  took  an  assi-^n- 


ll- 


f 


foo 


r.r,UGHlNO  IT  IN  THE  WILDS  OF  CANADA. 


ment  on  the  back  of  the  receipt,  and  passed  into 
immediate  possession  of  the  land.  He  at  the  same 
time  requested  me  to  take  up  a  note  of  twentj-flve 
dollars  for  him;  which  I  did,  on  his  promising  to 
refund  the  money  in  a  short  time. 

I  commenced  laboring  on  the  wild  land  I  had  pur- 
chased;  cleared  some  ten  acres,  which  in  consequence 
of  Its  being  so  heavily  timbered,  cost  me  at  least 
twenty.five  dollars  per  acre;  buUt  a  house  and  bam- 
Bupposing  myself  its  legal  possessor,— until  I  chanced 
to  meet  Mr.  IngersoU,  who  informea  me  that  Mr 
Jones  had  refused  to  sell  him  the  land  to  be  disposed 
of  to  a  colored  person;   that  he  had  duly  informed 
Lewis  of  the  fact,  and  had  returned  to  him  the  twenty- 
five  dollars  received.    Not  a  word  of  this,  had  Lewis 
communicated  to  me,  though  he  knew  I  was  making 
expensive  improvements,  in  the  faith  that  I  waa  ite 
only  owner.    Instead  of  atoning  for  the  wrong  ^..ady 
done  me,  he  made  it  the  basis  of  a  deeper  injury. 

After  one  year's  residence  in  Wilberforce,  I  found 
it  necessary  to  return  to  Rochester  w  settle  some 
unfinished  business;  and  when  on  my  way  thither  I 
stopped  at  London,  where  I  found  Lewis,  who  had 
not  only  preceded  me  but  had  taken  out  a  capias,  for 
forty  pounds  currency.  I  was  therefore  obliged  to'  get 
bail  for  my  appearance  at  court,  after  which  I  pursued 
my  journey. 


)assed  into 
b  the  same 
wenty-five 
Jmising  to 

I  had  pur- 
nsequence 
3  at  least 
ad  bam — 
I  chanced 

that  Mr. 
3  disposed 

informed 
e  twenty- 
ad  Lewis 
s  making 
I  was  its 
ady 


CVAJ.V/C 


ury. 

I  foand 
tie  some 
thither  I 
vho  had 
■pias,  for 
id  to  get 
pursued 


KETURH  TO  BOCTIESTEB  ON  BTOUfESS.  IJg 

On  my  arrival  in  Rochester,  I  found  businea,  at  a 
•tod,  and  the  community  i„  a  Btate  of  excitement 

^d  r  .  ^'',  r  '"  ""'  ™"  •»  *«  Uni  JsLte^ 
and  the  fearful  havoc  it  was  making,  spread  terror  and 

conatemahon  throughout  the  land.     I  returned  to 
Canada;  but  found  on  my  arrival  at  London,  that 
a.e  peatdenee  that  walketh  at  noon-day,"  had  pre- 
ceded  me,  and  taken  from  that  village  my  friend,  Mr. 
In^rsol ,  wuh  several  othera.    So  g.at  had  bee;  th 
larm,  that  mstead  of  my  appearing  at  court  as  I 
e^pcctM  to  do,  I  found  it  adjourned,  and  the  judge 
returned  to  his  home.  '^ 

I  hastened  on  to  Wilberforce,  which  h.«l  fortunately 
^ped  the  fearful  scourge,  with  terrible  apprehend 

Having  a  little  spare  time,  I  went  out  with  mv  rifle 
m  s^oh  of  deer,  but  soon  came  upon  a  large  wolf' 
whch  I  wounded  with  the  first  shot;  he,  however 
sprang  as.de  and  was  gone.    On  looking  abouti; 
hTfenTl  ''°°*'"'  '-■■^''""J'-g  »y  rifle.  I  fired,  and 

time      h      H  t  7  *"''  '"^'^  "^  '"'^  ^'  ■*«  ^e 
t^e  I  heard  barking  furiously.    Having  dispatched 

to  second  mtruder,  I  saw  that  my  dog  had  the  ii,.t 

one,  entangled  m  the  branches  of  a  fallen  tree     I 

W  left  them  at  home.    In  this  predicament  I  cut 
with  my  kmfe,  a  knot  from  a  beech  limb,  put  it  in  my 


I 


1L 

i 

"If 

1      ■ 

{ 
'  ,  J 

■'ii 

1 

i 

H 

i ' 

ri    : 

*  1 

Tffl 


h 


194     SOUGHING  IT  IN  THE  WILDS  OP  CANADA. 

rifle,  and  took  deadly  aim  at  the  enraged  wolf.  The 
wooden  baU  struck  him  between  the  eyes  and  killed 
him  on  the  spot. 

The  two  dead  animals,  with  their  skins,  I  sold  for 
nine  dollars  and  a  half,--making  pretty  good  wages 
for  a  few  hours  labor. 

Hunting  was  very  generally  pursued  by  the  settlers, 
with  great  earnestness  and  considerable  skill.      The 
forest  abounded  with  deer,  wolves,  bears,  and  other 
wild  animals.     Bears  were  plenty,  and  very  trouble- 
some  because  so  dangerously  tame.     One  day,  our 
children  had  built  for  themselves  a  play-house,  a  few 
rods  from  the  door,  and  were  enjoying  their  play 
when  they  were  called  in  to  dinner.    A  moment  after, 
I  observed  one  of  the  settlers  gazing  intently  at  the 
play-house;  I  called  to  know  what  so  attracted  his 
attention,  and  he  informed  me  that  an  old  bear,  with 
three  cubs,  had  just  then  taken  possession  of  the  play- 
house.    And  sure  enough  there  they  were  I  knocking 
about  among  the  dishes,  and  munching  the  crumbs  of 
bread  which  the  children  had  left.    The  man  was  sup- 
plied  with  a  loaded  rifle  and  urged  to  shoot  them,  but 
he  begged  to  be  excused  from  a  pitched  battle  with  so 
many;  and  the  bears  leisurely  took  their  departure  for 
the  woods   without   molestation.      The    play-house, 
however  was  soon  deserted  by  the  children  after 
these  unbidden  guests  had  made  so  free  with  it;  and 
we  were  ourselves  somewhat  alarmed  for  the  Lfety 


wolf.    The 
and  killed 

I  sold  for 
ood  wages 

be  settlers, 
:ill.      The 
and  other 
J  trouble- 
day,  our 
use,  a  few 
heir  play 
lent  after, 
tly  at  the 
'acted  his 
)ear,  with 
the  play- 
knocking 
rumbs  of 
was  sup- 
hem,  but 
3  with  so 
irture  for 
Ly-house, 
en  after 
it;  and 
le  safety 


WSITED  Br  BEAM  AT  WILBEBFORCE.         195 

Je^c^^^^for.,  .a  „«>te  swings  onheluxu^, 
l^  T}  '""''^'°''  "'  ~"""°»  '°  »  »«^  country, 


v\fv^i- 


OHAPTEE    XXII. 


NARROW  ESCAPE  OP  A  SMUGGLER. 


FROM  the  time  I  first  settled  in  Wilberforce,  my 
house  had   ever  been  open  to  travelers  and 
strangers;  but  a  conversation  I  happened  to  overhear, 
led  me  to  take  a  course  different  from  what  I  had  at 
first  intended.    I  was  at  a  public  house  about  twentj- 
miles  from  home,  when  I  heard  the  landlord  advising 
his  guest  to  eat  heartily,  for,  said  he,  "you  will  find 
nothing  more  worthy  of  your  attention,  until  you 
reach  W'lberforce.     When  you  arrive  at  that  settle- 
ment,  inquire  for  A.  Steward,  from  the  States,  and  he 
will  give  you  a  meal  fit  for  a  prince."    I  began  to 
reflect  on  the  subject  and  concluded,  inasmuch  as 
people  would  send  company  to  me,  it  would  be  better 
to  make  some  preparation  for  entertaining  them.  I  had 
plenty  of  furniture,  and  all  I  needed  was  a  larger 
supply  of  food,  to  commence  keeping  a  tavern.    This 


A  STRANGE  VISITOR.  197 

which  was  well  patronized. 

One  day  while  I  was  absent  from  home  a  man 
drove  to  the  door  the  finest  span  of  horses  I  'tMnH 
ever  saw,-black  as  jet,  with  proudly  arohed  nel 
and  glossy  tails  that  nearly  swept  the  ground  S 
gentleman  sprang  from  his  earriage,  bounded  thro^ 
the  open  door,  and  in  the  most  excited  manner,  begL 
'o  .nqu.re  "who  owns  this  establishment?  wteu 
wdl  he  return?  Can  I  be  accommodated?  Canlte 
your  barn?"  te     The  stable  boy  took  him    oT 

and  heathmg  so  heavily  as  to  be  heard  all  through 
the  apartment,  trombling  so  violently  that  he  coJd 
f-ly  spe*  at  all,-but  made  out  to  in,u  re  4 
thero  was  not  some  place  besides  the  barn  Ihei  he 
-uldputhisho,^?..    He  was  told  that  thlre  was  : 
mal  shelter  built  for  cows,  in  bad  weather,  and  The 
next  moment  he  was  examining  it.    m  a  v  ry  H 
^me  he  had  his  horses  and  carnage  stowed  alyt 
he  eow-shed.    He  acted  like  a  crazy  man ;  but  when 
he  h^  seeu.d  his  hor^s,  he  re.nterod  the  house  and 

-fng^oods,.  reward  i:'o«^r:r:;:^e" 
and  the  constables  are  on  my  track,  in  pursuit  71' 
My  name  .s  Cannouse,  and  lam  from  M— _7„ 
unturio  County."  ' 


1 11=  J 


i    ! 


4 


198 


NABBOW  ESCAPE  OP  A  SMUGGLER. 


But  perhaps  they  can  not  prove  you  guilty  of 
smugghng,  said  I,  in  an  ait«r  conversation 

"Ah,"  said  he,  "there  is  for  me  no  such  hope  or 
probability;   I  have  been  engaged  for  the  last  few 
months  in  the  sale  of  dress-goods  and  broad-cloths, 
and  my  exposure  and  flight  is  the  consequence  of  my 
own  folly.    While  in  the  village  of  St.  Catharines,  I 
took  a  young  girl  out  to  ride,  aiter  she  had  engaged 
to  accompany  another  young  fellow,  which  of  course 
offended  him ;  and  he  being  too  well  posted  up  on  my 
affairs,  went  directly  to  the  custom  house  officer  and 
informed  against  me.    I  was  sitting  in  the  parlor 
perfectly  at  ease,  when  a  young  man,  a  relative  of  the' 
young  lady  in  question,  burst  into  the  room,  shouting, 
Fly  I  fly  I  for  your  life  I    The  officers  are  upon  you  I ' 
And  I  did  fly;  with  barely  time  to  reach  the  woods, 
for  OB  I  sprang  through  the  back  door,  the  officers 
entered  through  the  front  door.    My  horses  were  my 
first  consideration ;  they  had  been  raised  by  my  father 
and  should  I  lose  them,  I  should  never  dare  to  meet 
him  again.    In  my  hasty  flight,  I  engaged  the  young 
man  to  conceal  them  till  night,  and  then  to  drive  them 
to  a  certain  place  where  I  would  meet  him.    This  he 
did,  and  I  kept  on  my  flight  untH  I  came  to  the  house 
of  a  fnend,  where  I  halted  to  make  inquiries.    The 
gentleman  had  just  come  from  London,  and  had 
seen  handbills  at  every  conspicuous  place,  describing 
me  and  my  horses.    I  asked  him  what  I  should  do? 


•^r:^- 


ruiltj  of 

hope  or 
last  few 
td-cloths, 
56  of  my 
arines,  I 
engaged 
f  course 
p  on  my 
icer  and 

parlor, 
3  of  the 
louting, 
n  you  I ' 

woods, 

oj05cers 
ere  my 

father, 
to  meet 

young 
e  them 
^his  he 
)  house 
.  The 
d  had 
;ribing 
d  do? 


THE  S3IUGGLER  PURSUED,  I99 

He  sdd,  'you  are  not  safe  a  moment;  there  is  no 
hope  but  in  flight,,  avoid  the  main  road,  and  get  to 
^e  colony  if  you  can;   if  you  succeed,  go  to  A 
Steward ;  he  is  an  upright  man  and  will  never  betray 
you  for  money.'    And  here  I  am:  if  I  am  arrested, 
SIX  months  imprisonment,  three  hundred  doUai^  fine 
and  the  forfeiture  of  my  father's  valuable  and  favorite 
horses  will  be  my  portion.    I  have  had  no  regular 
me^  Jor^  the  l.t  three  days,  and  my  head  aches 

f-  .We  gave  hii^  some  refreshment,  and  conducted  him 
to  a  room  assuring  him  that  he  should  have  it  to 
himself.  All  remained  quiet  until  midnight,  when  a 
man  knoeked  cautiously  at  our  door.  I  opened  it 
myself,  and  a  gentleman,  looking  carefully  about  the 
place,  mquired,  ,  # 

"Are  you  full?" 

"No,"  said  I. 

"  Have  you  ^y  travelers  here  to  nieht  ?  " 

c;  "How  many?" 
smfii  ■'•wo. 

"  "Where  are  they  ?  " 

"  In  this  room ;  walk  in,  sir." 

He  took  the  light  from  my  hand,  and  stepping 
I^htly  up  to  a  bed,  where  two  travelers  were  quMy 
deepmg,  he  clo^ly  examined  their  faees.  He  soon 
returned  the  light,  and  without  further  inquiry  retired 


im 


1 


i!  I:;!; 


'^  1 

i 

in* 

r 

'r ' 

f', 

hll 

r 

f , 

'% 

:> 

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■-M 

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ll 

iH 

1^ 

vi^M 

I-: 

'  V  ^^1 

;  i^H 

:iia^ 

■iSiMiiHMMMfcka.MM 


200 


NARROW  ESCAPE  OP  A  SMUGGLER  , 


from  the  house.  When  his  companions  came  up  I 
distinotly  lieard  him  teU  them  that  the  smuggler  was 
not  there. 

"You  may  be  mistaken,"  said  the  other,  "and  we 
must  search  the  barn  for  his  horses." 

Tliis  thejdid  thoroughly,  after  procuring  a  lantern- 
but  without  finding  any  thing  to  reward  their  diligent 
search;  and  they  finally  drove  off. 

When  they  had  gone,   Cannouse    groaned    most 
bitterly,  and  trembled   from    head    to   foot   at    the 
thought  of  his  narrow  escape.     The  next  day  an 
officer  rode  up  to  where  the  children  were  playing 
with  a  handbill  which  he  read,  and  inquired  if  they 
had  seen  a  person  bearing  that  description,  pass  that 
d^yf    They  answered  negatively,  and  he  rode  on 
The  poor  frightened  Cannouse  stayed  with  us  a  week- 
and  nearly  every  day  during  the  time,  the  house  and 
bam  were  searched   for  him.      The  children  kept 
watch,  and  when  they  saw  any  one  coming  they 
would  let  him  know,  in  time  to  take  himself  and 
horses  into  a  thicket  near  by.    When  he  thought 
pursuit  was  over,  he  started  to  leave;  but  when,  in  a 
half  hour  after,  a  posse  of  men  drove  up  to  my  door 
flourishing  their  handbills,  I  thought  it  all  over  with 
Cannouse.    I  told  them  that  he  was  not  there;  but 
they  chose  to  have  another  search,  and  when  they 
found  nothing,  the  officer  sprang  into  his  carriage 
exclaiming,  "come  on,  boys;   we'll  soon  have  him 


ER.  > 

came  up,  I 
nuggler  was 

r,  "and  we 

J  a  lantern.; 
leir  diligent 

aned    most 
)ot   at    the 
xt  daj  an 
re  playing, 
•ed  if  they 
I,  pass  that 
)  rode  on. 
IS  a  week; 
house  and 
iren  kept 
aing  they 
mself  and 
3  thought 
^hen,  in  a 
my  door, 
Dver  with 
lere;  but 
hen  they 
carriage, 
ave  him 


THE  SMUOOMR  HAKES  GOOD  HIS  ESCAPE.     201 
now;  we  have  tracked  him  here,  and  he  can't  be  far 

had  traveled  but  a  short  distance,  when  he  observed  a 
W  shoe  loose,  and  to  get  it  fastened  he  drove'l 

wT  f  v,'  '  "■"*  ''^'"^^°  ''  --J  'he  highway 
nearly  h.d  it  from  view.  While  there,  getting  his 
ho..e  shod,  the  office,  parsed  him  unobsLedf  and 
he  finally  escaped.  ' 

Some  time  after,  a  gentleman  called  on  us  who  had 
r,'~«  in  MicHgan,  whe.  he  was  doi„ 
He  had  succeeded  in  reaching  Detroi,,  from  whine ' 

itorTotttr^"-"^'-  "-P-^Wwd 

Z,  \     ''"■^°"'''-    ^'  ^"^  "  <-'«nted  young 

nmn-^ne  who  would  have  felt  deeply  the  diLc! 
of  ^Pjnmen,    ^d  it  was  indeed  a  pleasure  C 
to  do  what  I  could,  to  effect  his  release  from  an 
unenviable  position.    I  would  never  have  tel^ 
h^;  but  happily  I  was  not  asked  directly  Sm 
unta  he  was  gone  from  my  house  and  protection        ' 


liU 


m 

ml '  ' 


mmu 


% 


1 1 


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'rl^l 

''  'H 

4 

^  1" '  ,  *f 

J^MjH 

H  f  ^^^^1 

'^•l>  ^^^1 

IihI 

Hi    B^l 

iU^^^l 

CHAPTEE    XXIII. 


NARRATIVE  OP  TWO  FUGITIVES  FROM  VIRGINIA. 

rjlHE  settlers  in  Wilberforce,  were  in  general  in- 
-L    dustrious  and  thrifty  farmers :  they  cleared  their 
land,  sowed  grain,  planted  orchards,  raised  cattle,  and 
in  short,  showed  to  the  world  that  they  were  in  no 
way  inferior  to  the  white  population,  when  given  an 
equal  chance  with  them.    In  proof  of  this  let  me  say 
that  It  was  uniformly  the  practice  of  persons  traveling 
from  London  to  Goderich,  to  remain  in  our  settlement 
over  night,  in  preference  to  going  on  to  find  entertain- 
ment  among   their  own  class  of  people.    And  we 
believe  that  the  whites  are  bound  to  admit,  that  the 
experiment  of  the  Wilberforce  colony  proves  that  the 
colored  man.can  not  only  take  care  of  himself,  but  is 
capable  of  improvement;  a^  industrious  and  intelli- 
gent  as  themselves,  when  the  yoke  is  taken  from  off 
their  necks,  and  a  chance  given  them  to  exercise  their 
abilities.    True,  many  of  them  had  just  escaped  from 


APPBiKANOB  OF  A  SLAVE  PEALEB.  208 

and  put  new  Jifr  inf    ^u  '''  invigorated 

escapes  from  thT   .       ,         ""^   ""^    hair-breadth 

an  afflicted  slave  In  aid  t  .  °"  °'  *^  "'«•"- 
'keeping.  At  W  T  .  '^"'"'^  "''^'^  "^  "-"l 
We  fad  Zl^St^'  ''-"''''  -r-'^O  "'-t  >^e 

you  sold  for?he  rr    """'  "^  '''^  "^  ^-« 

■  I  can't  bear  I    0'„  p        .        ^  ^  separated,  which 
I  can't  ^:lu  ^  ^  '''  ''°"«'"  '^''-'^  -.- 

B-t;rSn::::tt?:''^'"-'^-'-^- 

"  0^  W  I  know  it;  I  heard  master  to-dav  m.v 
him  .    ^-  ^'  ^""^  ^^^^  It  was  finished,  I  heard 

"Oh.  dearl"  sobbed  the  wife,  -we  ahaU  certainly 


204 


NARRATIVE  OF   TWO   FUGITIVES. 


be  retaken  and  whipped  to  death;  or  else  we  shall 
starve  in  the  wilderness  1  Oh,  it  is  very  hard  to  be 
compelled  to  leave  all  our  friends  and  the  old  planta- 
tion where  we  were  born  I  " 

"Yes;  it  is  both  hard  and  unjust,"  said  Joe,  and  an 
indignant  frown  contracted  his  brow, — "here  is  our 
birth-place,  and  here,  for  forty  years  have  I  toiled 
early  and  late  to  enrich  my  master ;  and  you,  my  poor 
wife,  a  few  years  less ;  and  now  we  are  to  be  sold, 
separated,  and  all  without  a  choice  of  our  own.  We 
must  go,  Rosa.  If  we  die,  let  us  dio  together ! " 
•  "It  shall  be  as  you  say,  Joe,"  she  replied,  "but  it 
frightens  me  to  think  of  the  hardships  of  the  way, 
and  the  danger  of  being  recaptured." 

"  Courage,  wife :  no  fate  can  be  worse  than  the  one 
designed  for  us ;  and  we  have  no  time  to  lose  To- 
morrow night,  then,  we  must  make  the  first  eflEbrt  to 
gain  our  liberty,  and  leave  all  that  is  dear  to  us  except 
each  other ! "  And  they  retired  to  rest,  but  not  to 
sleep. 

The  following  night  was  very  dr  jk ;  and  as  soon  as 
all  was  quiet  on  the  plantation,  tl.ey  stole  out  of  their 
cabin  and  stealthily  crept  over  tie  ground  until  they 
reached  the  highway ;  and  then,  guided  only  by  the 
north  star,  they  made  their  way  to  the  nearest  woods. 
So  fearful  had  they  been  of  being  suspected,  that  they 
took  no  provision  of  any  kind  with  them.    All  night 


TRIALS  AND  HUNGER  IN  THE  WILDERNESS.    205 

they  plunged  forward  through  the  tangled  thicket  and 
under-brush,  sorrounded  by  thick  darkness,  glancing 
now  and  then  upward  to  their  only  light, 

"Star  of  the' North  I  though  night  windadrift  the  fleecy 
drapery  of  the  sky, 

Between  thy  lamp  and  thee,  I  Ufl,  yea,  lift  with  hope 
my  sleepless  eye." 

When  day  dawned  they  threw  their  weary  bodies 
on  the  ground,  famished  and  thirsty,  and  waited  for 
the  darkness  to  again  conceal  them  while  they  pursued 
their  journey.     The  second  day  of  their  flight,  the 
pain  of  hunger  became  almost  beyond  endurance. 
They  found  a  few  roots  which  relieved  them  a  litt.'e; 
but  frequently  they  lost  their  way,  and  becoming  be- 
wildered,  knew  not  which  way  to  go;  they  pushed  on, 
however,  determined  to  keep  as  far  from  their  pursuers 
as  possible.    Their  shoes  were  soon  wom  out;   but 
bare-footed,  bare-headed,  and  famishing  with  hunger, 
they  pressed  forward,  until  the  fourth  day,  when  they 
found  themselves  too  weak  to  proceed  further.    Hope, 
the   anchor   of  the  soul,  had  failed  them!     They 
were  starving  in  a  dense  forest  I    No  track  or  path 
could  they  find,  and  even  had  they  seen  a  human 
being,  they  would  have  been  more  terrified  than  at 
the  sight  of  a  wild  beast  I 

Poor  Sosa,  could  go  no  farther— her  strength  was 
all  gone— and  as  her  emaciatee.  husband  laid  her  on 


W 


I 
If 


;*il 


% 


-    i 

■ 

■  1        ! 

H 

I'll 

■ 

■ 

doi 


NARRAliVK  OP  TWO  FUGITIVES. 


the  cold  earth,  he  exclaimed,  "  Oh,  dear  God !  mmt 
we,  after  all  our  eftbrts,  starve  in  this  dark  wilder- 
ness!    Beside  his  fainting  wife,  he  finally  stretched 
himself,  sheltered  only  by  a  few  bushes,  and  tried  to 
compose  himself  to  die!  but  resting  a  few  moments 
revived  him,  and  he  aroused  himself,  to  make  one 
more  effort  for  life !     "  Stay  you  here,  wife,  and  I  will 
try  once  more  to  find  the  highway ;  it  cannot  be  fiir 
fiom  here ;  and  if  I  am  taken,  I  will  submit  to  my  fate 
without  a  struggle ;  we  can  but  die."    So  saying,  he 
le(l  her,  and  began  to  reconnoitre  the  country  around 
them.     Much  sooner  than  ho  expected  he  emerged 
from  the  wood,  and  not  far  distant  he  saw  a  house  in 
the  direction  from  whence  he  came ;  being,  however, 
afi  most  of  the  slaves  are,  superstitious,  he  thought  it 
would  be  a  bad  omen  to  turn  backward,  and  so 
continued  to  look  about  him.    It  seemed,  he  said,  that 
some  unseen  power  held  him,  for  though  starving  m 
he  was,  he  could  not  take  a  step  in  that  direction ;  and 
at  last  as  he  turned  around,  to  his  great  joy,  ])e,  paw' 
another  dwelling  a  little  wa^  ofi",  and  towarc'  ;-  <  (   .. 
hastened  his  now  lightened  footsteps.    "With  a  palpi- 
tating heart,  he  approached  the  door  and  knocked 
to'-'tiously.     The  man  of  the  house  opened  it,  and  as 
g»>oh  V'  pr  saw  him,  he  said,  "You  are  a  fugitive  slave, 
buJ  Ih.     yt  ^-iimed,  come  in ;  no  harm  shall  befall  you 
hem\  I  .]ml  not  in^v^ire  from  whence  you  came;  it  is 
enough  for  me  to  know  that  you  are  a  human  being 


THJS  GOOD  SAMARITAN.  207 

f,l^^°f''  "^^^  ^"^  "  "'°'^'  °'  bread  I-  said  the 
&-^l.^  creature,  while  his  hitherto  wild  and  sunken 
^e^  began  to  distil  grateful  tears.  The  "gld 
Nunar,tan"  stepped  to  another  apartment  and  broS 

a.ao.;.aat,r:t:ii:X"^;raLr 

without  a  niece  nf  hr..  j  ^  'naster, 

a  piece  ot  bread  for  my  poor  starving  wife  I 

can  never  swallow  this,  tempting  aa  it  is."  ' 

Poor  man,"  said  his  benefactor,  "can  it  be  that 
you  have  a  w.fe  with  you,  wretched  as  yourself?" 
He  b„„  ht  out  a  loaf  of  b^d,  some  cheese  and  meat 
and  wh.le  the  fugitive  was  preparing  to  retur^t'e 
kind  gentleman  said,  "I  am  glad  you  came  to  me- 
W  you  caned  at  the  house  you  first  saw,  you  woulj 
have  been  betrayed,  and  immediately  arreted.    You 
must  remember,"  he  continued,  "that  you  are  young 
.ad  valuable  slaves,  and  that  your  m^r  will  makf 
every  eifort  .n  his  power  to  find  you,  especially  since 
^has  made  a  sale  of  you.     To-day  and  Jnight. 
•«ma,n  an  the  woods,  and  the  next  morning  you 
may  come  to  me,  if  aU  is  quiet;  should  I  see  Lger 
WroaeUng  you,  I  will  warn  you  of  it  by  the  Jek 
my  nfle.    Go  now,  to  your  poor  wife,  and  J^,len  t 
the  signal  of  danger,  if  you  hear  none,  come  to  me  at 


I  ;/! 


I  :  1 


- 


208 


NARRATIVE  OP  TWO  FUGITIVES. 


the  appointed  time."  He  returned,  and  after  feeding 
liis  helpless  Eosa,  she  revived,  and  soon  felt  quite 
comfortable  and  grateful. 

When  the  morning  came  for  them  to  leave  their 
retreat,  they  listened  intently,  but  hearing  nothing, 
Joe  started  for  the  residence  of  his  friend.    He  had 
been  gone  but  a  short  time,  when  his  wife,  who  lay  in 
the  bushes,  thought  she  heard  the  tramp  of  horses,— 
she  crept  nearer  the  highway,  and  peeping  through 
the  biish— Oh,  horror  I   what  was  her  consternation 
and  sickening  fear,  to  find  herself  gazing  upon  the 
well-known  features  of  her  old  master,  and  two  of 
his  neighbors,  all  armed  to  the  teeth  I    Her  heart 
seemed  to  stand  still,  and  the  blood  to  chill  in  her 
veins.    Had  she  been  discovered  she  would  have  been 
an  easy  prey,  for  she  declared  that  she  could  not  move 
a  step.    In  the  meantime  her  husband  had  got  about 
half  way  to  the  residence  of  his  preserver,  when  his 
quick  ear  detected  the  sound  made  by  the  feet  of 
horses,  and  as  he  stopped  to  listen  more  inteptly,  the 
sharp  crack  of  a  rifle  sent  him  bounding  back  to  his 
concealment  in  the  forest. 

The  party  of  horsemen  rode  on  to  the  dwelling  of 
the  kind  hearted  gentleman,  and  inquired  whether  he 
had  seen  any  fugitive  slaves  pass  that  way. 

"  I  saw,"  said  he,  "  a  man  and  woman  passing 
rapidly  along  the  road,  but  do  not  know  whether 
they  were  fugitives,  as  I  did  not  see  their  faces."    The 


J.    ' 

ifter  feeding 
a  felt  quite 

leave  their 
ag  nothing, 
1  He  had 
who  laj  in 
)f  horses, — 
Qg  through 
•nsternation 
?  upon  the 
md  two  of 

Her  heart 
bill  in  her 

have  been 
i  not  move 

got  about 
,  when  his 
be  feet  of 
teptly,  the 
ack  to  his 


ABBIVAL  AW,  SETTLEMEOT  m  CINCIIWATI.    209 

.nformat.oD,  and  .mmediately  set  out  in  puiBuif  but 
just  aa  the  infornu.ut  had  intended,  i„^  d^^ 

Z7  *°  "'"  "^^  ''^^^  '^^  '"ken.    That  nSH^ 
nd  Rosa  v..ted  the  house  of  their  benefaeto'  wC 

""  'W  could  earry;  and  next  day  they  went  on  thdr 

X  WUb'T"  *""  "°''  *°™  *-  -*>^  others! 
to  the  Wdberforee  settlement,  where  they  are  in  no 
danger  of  the  auction  block,  or  of  a  Southern  Lit" 
and  are  as  much  deroted  to  each  other  as  ever  ' 


m 


^v^elling  of 
rhether  he 


in  passing 
'  whether 
5es."    The 


h- 


''I    ' 

1       ;■   1 

CHAPTER    XXIV. 


PLEASANT  RE-UNION  OF  OLD  AND  TRIED  FRIENDS. 

IT  is  well  known  to  those  who  have  assisted  in 
clearing  land  in  a  new  country,  that  bears,  who 
are  not  Jews,  are  very  troublesome,  and  levy  a  heavy 
tax  on  the  settlers,  to  supply  themselves  with  pork— 
their  favorite  food.    One  old  bear  in  particular,  had 
for  a  long  time  annoyed  the  colonists,  by  robbing  their 
hog-stys  almost  every  night.     We  failed  in  all  our 
plans  to  destroy  his  life,  until  a  woman  saw  him  one 
day,  walking  at  ease  through  the  settlement.    A  half 
dozen  of  us  gave  chase  immediately,  and  came  up 
with  him  after  traveling  two  miles.    So  anxious  was  I 
to  kill  him,  that  I  fired  at  first  sight  and  missed  him, 
which  gave  us  another  two  miles  chase.     When,  how- 
ever,  we  came  up,  he  waa  seated  on  a  branch  of  L  tree, 
leisurely  surveying  us  and  the  dogs,  with  great  com' 
placency.   The  contents  of  my  rifle  brought  him  to  the 
ground,  and  stirred  hm  blood  for  battle.    One  blow 


ED  PillENDS. 


VISTTED  BT  WHITI!  MEN  m  DISGUISE.        211 

«™m  h^  powerfij  paw,  sent  my  fine  greyhound  some 
7«rfa  ista^^  sprawling  np„n  theg«,und,  and  when 

W  tolang  and  munching  his  head  in  his  mouth. 
My  nfle  was  now  reloaded,  and  the  second  shot  killed 
h.m  on  the  spot.  We  tied  his  legs  together,  and  li^:g 

"'■  ''^'":'  g"°^  '^-^  discharged  and  cheera  given 
m  approbation  of  our  success.  ^      ' 

One  winter's  evening  we  had  dmwn  closely  around 
^e  Wazmg  fire  for  the  air  was  piercing  cold  without, 
-d  the  snow  four  feet  deep  on  a  level.    Now  and 
aen,a  traveler  might  be  seen  on  snow-shoes;  but 
though  our  cabin  was  situated  on  the  king's  highway 
^a  seldom  saw  company  on  such  a  m^ht  T^ 
WMe  the  wmd  whistled,  and  the  snow  dLd  abou 
»«  dwellmg  we  piled  the  wood  higher  in  our  ample 
^-place,  and  seated  ourselves  again,  to  resume  the 
conversation,  when  I  was  startled  by  a  loud  and 
funous  knocking  at  the  door.    I  opened  it  to  whaT^ 

*at  of  the  red  man;  but  the  voice  of  him  who 
^dressed  me  was  not  that  of  an  Indian.  "  Can  you 
keep  tnree  poor  devils  here  to  night?"  said  he,  and 
when  I  made  further  inquiry,  he  repeated  the  J, 
lu  suon;  "we  can  sleep,"  he  continued,  "on  the  soil 
«d9  of  a  board ,  only  give  us  poor  devils  a  shelter." 
i  told  him  we  were  not  accustomed  to  turn  awav 


1 


i 


^     hi 


■^1, 


li 


i:TL..-rn. 


212        RE-UNION  OF  OLD  AND  TRIED  FRIENDS. 


any  one  on  such  a  night ;  that  thej  were  welcome  to 
come  in ;  and  they  were  soon  seated  around  our  large 
and  cheerful  fire. 

They  had  laid  aside  their  snow-shoes  and  knap- 
sacks, and  the  heat  of  the  fire  soon  made  their 
blankets  uncomfortable ;  but  as  one  of  them  made  a 
move  to  throw  it  off,  another  was  heard  to  whisper, 
"  wait  a  little ;  we  are  among  strangers,  you  know ;  so 
do  i^ot  make  a  display  of  yourself"  The  fellow  drew 
his  blanket  about  him;  but  we  had  heard  and  seen 
enough  to  awaken  curiosity,  if  not  suspicion.  In 
passing  out  of  the  room  soon  after,  I  heard  one  of 
these  pretended  Indians  say  to  his  companion,  "I 
know  these  folks  are  from  the  States,  for  I  smell 
coffee."  When  they  finally  sat  down  to  table,  and  saw 
silver  upon  it,  they  cast  surprised  and  knowing 
glances  at  each  other,  all  of  which  we  closely  observ- 
ed, and  were  convinced,  that  they  were  not  red  men 
of  the  forest,  but  belonged  to  that  race  who  had  so 
long  looked  haughtily  down  upon  the  colored  people ; 
that  the  least  exhibition  of  comfort,  or  show  of  refine- 
ment astonished  them  beyond  measure. 

In  the  meantime,  my  wife  had  whispered  to  me 
that  she  was  sure  that  the  principal  speaker  was  no 

other  than  the  aristocratic  Mr.  G -,  of  Canan- 

daigua.  I  could  not  believe  it ;  I  could  not  recognize 
in  that  savage  costume,  one  who  had  been  bred  in 
affluence,  and  "  the  star"  of  genteel  society.    But  my 


SSTDS. 

welcome  to 
id  our  large 

and  knap- 
made  their 
lem  made  a 
to  whisper, 
u  know ;  so 
fellow  drew 
'd  and  seen 
ipicion.  In 
ard  one  of 
panion,  "I 
for  I  smell 
►le,  and  saw 
1  knowing 
iely  observ- 
3t  red  men 
7ho  had  so 
red  people ; 
7f  of  refine- 

ired  to  me 
ker  was  no 
of  Canan- 
it  recognize 
3n  bred  in 
.    But  my 


THE  NEW  VISITOBS  RECOGNIZED.  213 

Wife  soon  developed  the  affair  to  our  mutual  satisfac 

^- ,  on  taking  from  her  a  cup  of  coffee, 

remarked,  ''this  looks  good;  and  I  have  had  no  good 
coffee  smce  I  left  my  mother's  house." 

"Does  your    mother   still    reside    in   C ?" 

asked  Mrs.  Steward. 

"My  mother  I  my  mother  I  what  do  you  know  of 
my  mother  I"  said  he,  looking  sharply  at  her;  but 
obsemng  that  they  were  recognized,  they  began  to 
laugh,  and  we  had  a  hearty  congratulation  all  round  ; 

w^ile  G- ^  starting  up  from  table,   exclaimed, 

Come,  boys,  off  with  this  disguise;  we  are  among 
frienda  now."  ° 

Our  Indian  guests,  now  appeared  in  costume  more 
Ike    Broadway  dandies,"  than  savages.    Dressed  in 
the  finest  cloth,  with  gold  chains  and  repeaters ;  and 
all  that  constituted  the  toilet  of  a  gentleman.    After 
tea  they  requested  to  dry  some  costly  fure,  which  they 
to.k  from  their  knapsacks  and  hung  around  the  Are. 
The  followmg  day  they  took  their  leave,  with  many  " 
apolog.es  and  explanations,  regarding  their  appearance 
and  .induct.    They  wer,.  in  the  wildeme.,,  they  said, 
trading  for  very  valuable  furs;    they  had  money 
jewelry  and  rich  Roods,  which  they  had  taken  that 
method  to  conceal. 

During  all  this  time,  there  had  been  another  visitor 
m  the  house,  who  was  sitting  in  a  corner,  absorbed  in 
writmg.    Our  mock  Indians  had  noticed  him,  and  not 


(■ ;  '  i 


1  n 
11 


,  ij 


■tti    -rrr 


214        RE'tTNlON  OF  OLD  AKD  TRIED  PHIEITDS 

knowing  who  he  was,  expressed  a  determination  "  to 
quiz  that  deaf  old  devil,"  after  supper.  We  all 
seated  ourselves  around  the  fire,  and  our  Canandaigua 
friends,  though  no  longer  savages,  had  not  forgotten 
the  silent  man  in  the  corner ;  they  began  to  question 
him,  and  he  aroused  himself  for  conversation;  nor 
was  it  long  before  they  forgot  their  design  to  quiz 
him,  and  found  themselves  charmed  listeners  to  the 
briUiant  conversation,  of  that  world-renowned  cham- 
pion of  humanity,  Benjamin  Lundy,  for  he  it  was. 

On  this  particular  evening,  he  gave  us  a  sketch  of 
his  journey  to  Hayti;  to  accompany  there  and  settle 
some  emancipated  slaves;  which  I  thought  very  inter- 
esting, and  as  I  have  never  seen  it  in  print  I  will  here 
relate  it,  as  near  as  I  can,  in  his  own  words: 

In  the  State  of  Maryland,  there  lived  a  slaveholder, 
the  proprietor  of  some  sixty  slaves,  and  being  some- 
what advanced  in  years,  he  determined  to  free  them, 
in  accordance  with  the  laws  of  that  State,  which 
required  that  they  be  sent  out  of  it. 

He  had  thought  the  matter  over,  but  being  unde- 
cided where  to  send  them,  he  sent  for  Mr.  Lundy  to 
assist  him  in  his  proposed  plan ;  who  was  only  too 
glad  to  comply  with  a  request  calculated  to  carry  out 
his  own  plans  of  philanthropy  and  equal  rights. 

"When  he  had  listened  to  the  suggestions  and  ex- 
pressed desires  of  the  planter,  he  offered  his  arguments 
in  favor  of  the  West  India  Islands;    and  it  was 


NARRATIVE  OP  BENJAMIN  LUNDY.  216 

decided  to  send  them  to  Hayti,  as  their  future  place  of 
residence. 

Six  weeks  were  allowed  for  preparations;  then  Mr. 
Lundy  was  to  return  and  take  charge  of  them  on  the 
voyage,  and  see  them  settled  in  their  new  homes. 

When  the  appointed  time  arrived,  Mr.  Lundy  was 
there  to  accompany  them  on  board  a  vessel  bound  for 
Hayti;  on  which  was  furnished  as  comfortable  quar- 
ters,  as  the  kindness  of  their  conscientious  master  and 
his  own  benevolent  heart  could  suggest.    When  all 
was  ready,  the  Christian  master  came  on  board,  to 
take  leave  of  those  faithful  servants,— many  of  whom 
had  served  him  from  their  childhood,  and  all  of  whom 
he  had  bound  to  his  heart  by  kindness  and  Christian 
benevolence.    It  was  a  sad  parting;  not  because  the 
slaves  did  not  love  liberty,  but  because  they  appreci- 
ated  their  master's  kind  forbearance,  and  solicitude  for 
their  future  welfare.   He  had  ever  been  a  humane  and 
indulgent  master;  one  who  lightened  the  burthen  of 
the  poor  slave,  all  in  his  power.  A  moment's  reflection 
will  show,  that  it  is  invariably  this  conscientious  kind 
of  slaveholders,  who  are  induced  to  emancipate  their 
slaves;  and  not  the  avaricious,  cruel  tyrant,  who  neither 
fears  God  nor  regards  his  fellow  man. 

The  master  of  the  slaves  had  kindly  informed  them 
of  his  intentions,— of  the  probable  length  of  the 
voyage,  and  the  unavoidable  sickness  they  would 
experience,  &c. ;  but  now,  they  were  gazing  up  into 


4 


,« 


Jp 

1*^: 


1  •     M 


216        BE-UNION  or  OLD  AND  TRIED  FRIENDS. 


his  kind  face  for  the  last  time,  as  he  knelt  in  prayer, 
commendii  ^  that  numerous  flock — raised  on  his  own 
plantation-^to  the  care  and  protection  of  Almighty 
God,  beseeching  Him  to  protect  them  in  the  storm 
and  dangers  of  the  ocean ;  to  guide  them  through  this 
life,  and  save  them  in  the  world  to  come ;  until  the 
sobs  and  cries  of  the  poor  slaves  drowned  his  utter- 
ance. He  at  length  took  his  final  leave  of  them,  and 
of  Mr.  Lundy;  and  the  ship  sailed  immediately. 
They,  however,  met  storms  and  adverse  winds,  which 
detained  them;  and  then  the  poor,  ignorant  slaves 
began  to  believe  what  they  had  before  suspected:  that 
this  was  only  some  wicked  plan  of  Mr.  Lundy's,  laid 
to  entice  them  away  from  a  kind  master,  and  to  plunge 
them  into  some  dreadful  degradation  and  suffering. 
"Master"  had  not  told  them  of  the  adverse  winds,  and 
chey  were  certain  that  some  mischief  was  intended  ; 
they  grew  sullen  and  disobedient;  and  notwithstanding 
the  kindness  of  Mr.  Lundy,  they  murmured  and  com- 
plained, until  his  kind  heart  sank  within  him;  still  he 
pursued  the  even  tenor  of  his  way,  trusting  in  God 
for  deliverance.  He  watched  over  them  in  sickness, 
and  administered  to  all  their  wants ;  but  his  tender 
solicitude  for  their  health  and  comfort,  only  excited 
suspici(m,  and  increased  their  ungrateful  ill  humor. 

One  pleasant  evening,  Mr.  Lundy  paced  the  deck 
in  deep  thought.  He  was  sad,  and  well  nigh  hopeless. 
He  had  seen  enough  in  the  fierce  look  and  sullen 


5NDS. 

t  in  prayer, 
on  liis  own 
f  Almighty 
the  storm 
hrough  this 
);  until  the 
i  his  utter- 
F  them,  and 
nmediately. 
inds,  which 
rant  slaves 
»ected:  that 
undy's,  laid 
d  to  plunge 
i  suffering, 
winds,  and 
}  intended; 
ithstanding 
d  and  com- 
im;  still  he 
ng  in  God 
n  sickness, 
his  tender 
Qly  excited 
humor, 
i  the  deck 
h  hopeless, 
and  sullen 


NARRATIVE  CONTINUED. 


217 


i 


scowl ;  and  had  heard  enough  of  the  bitterness,  and 
threatening  anger  of  the  negroes,  to  know  that  a  storm 
was  gathering,  which  must  soon  burst  in  all  its  wild 
fury  over  his  devoted  head.    He  was  a  small,  feeble 
man,  compared  with  those  who  watched  his  every 
movement,   and  gnashed  their  teeth  upon    him  so 
fiercely.    JSTone  but  the  Almighty  could  save  him 
now;  and  to  Him  who  "rides  upon  the  wings  of  the 
wind,  and  maketh  the  clouds  His  chariot,"  he  drew 
near  in  fervent  prayer;  after  which  he  retired  in  peace 
and  confidence  to  his  berth."    During  the  night,  a  fine 
breeze  sprang  up ;  and  when  he  went  on  deck  the 
next  morning,  they  were  in  sight  of  the  luxuriant 
shore  of  Hayti!     The  officers  of  the  island  boarded 
the  ship;  but  their  language  was  unintelligible  to  the 
negroes,  who  still  looked  daggers  at  every  one  who 
spoke.     They  landed ;  but  the  fearful,  and  ungrateful 
slaves  continued  sullen  and  forbidding.     Mr.  Lundy 
left  them,  however,  and  went  into  the  country,  where 
he  selected  their  future  residence;   and  made  every 
preparation  for  their  comfort  and  convenience  in  his 
power;    saw  them  conveyed  to  their  neat,  pleasant 
bomes,  and  all  happily  settled.   This  work  was  accom- 
plished;   and  he  merely  called  to  bid  adieu  to  his 
ungrateful  charge,  when  he  found  that  one  of  the 
slaves  had  been  appointed  to  speak  to  him,  in  behalf 
of  the  whole  number,  and  confess  how  deeply  they 
had  wronged  him.     While  they  were  ccnversino-  the 
K 


Ai 


i^f) 


ill; 


-III)' 


I 


218        RE-UNION  OF  OLD  AND  TRIED  FRIENDS. 

others  gathered  around,  with  tears  and  prayers  for 
forgiveness;  and  finally  fell  at  his  feet,  iinploring 
pardon  for  themselves,  and  blessings  on  the  kind, 
patient  and  humane  Benjamin  Lundy.  He  hurried 
from  the  affecting  scene,  and  soon  after  returned  to 
America. 

Thus  that  cold  evening  passed  more  pleasantly 
away  in  our  rude  cabin ;  and  our  Canandaigua 
gentlemen,  after  an  agreeable  acquaintance,  and  plea- 
sant chat  with  Mr.  Lundy,  retired  for  the  night — not 
like  savages,  but  like  gentlemen  as  they  were ;  and  I 
doubt  not,  with  a  more  exalted  opinion  of  "  the  deaf 
old  devil  in  the  comer  " 


ENDS. 

prayers  for 

t,  imploring 

n  the  kind, 

He  hurried 

returned  to 


e  pleasantly 
Oanandaigua 
3e,  and  plea* 
3  night — not 
were;  and  I 
,f  "the  deaf 


CHAPTER    XXV. 


PRIVATE  LOSCES  AND  PBIVATE  DIFFIOULTIBS. 

OOON  after  settling  in  Wilberforce,  I  found  that 
kj  the  rumor  I  had  heard  in  the  States,  concerning 
the  refusal  to  sell  land  to  colored  persons,  waa  literally 
correct,  and  my  farm  being  too  small  to  yield  a  sup- 
port for  my  family,  and  knowing  it  would  be  useless 
to  apply  for  more  land,  I  engaged  to  cany  packages 
for  different  merchants  in  the  adjoinmg  villages,  as 
well  as  to  and  from  the  settlement.  Possessing  a  pair 
of  excellent  horses  and  a  good  wagon,  I  found  it  a 
profitable  business,  and  the  only  one  I  could  well  do, 
to  eke  out  the  proceeds  of  my  farm,  and  meet  my 
expenses. 

One  day  as  I  was  returning  from  the  village,  one  of 
my  horses  was  taken  suddenly  ill.  I  took  him  to 
a  tavern  near  by,  and  as  I  could  discover  no  cause  for 
his  illness,  I  concluded  to  leave  him  a  few  days,  sup 


i 


220 


PRIVATE  LOSSES  AND  DIFFICULTIES. 


posing  rest  would  soon  restore  him.  I  accordingly 
liired  another  horse,  and  returned  to  the  colony.  In 
a  day  or  two  after,  I  collected  my  packages  as  usual, 
and  started  on  my  route,  designing  to  leave  the  hired 
horse  and  take  my  own ;  but  when  I  arrived  at  the 
tavern,  I  found  some  Indians  engaged  in  taking  off 
the  hide  and  shoes  of  my  poor,  dead  horse.  This  was 
indeed,  a  great  loss  to  me ;  but  I  consoled  myself  with 
the  thought  that  I  had  one  good  horse  left,  yet  he 
"would  hardly  be  sufficient  to  accomplish  alone,  the 
labor  I  had  engaged  to  perform ;  nor  had  I  the  means 
to  spare,  to  purchase  another.  I  therefore  hired  one, 
and  commenced  business  again,  with  the  determination 
to  make  up  my  loss  by  renewed  diligence  and  perse- 
verance, I  started  in  good  spirits ;  but  had  proceeded 
but  a  few  miles,  when  my  remaining  horse,  which  I 
had  supposed  perfectly  sound,  reeled  and  fell  in  the 
harness  I  And  before  I  could  relieve  him  of  it,  my 
noble  animal  and  faithful  servant,  nad  breathed  his 
last  I  Without  a  struggle  or  a  movement  he  lay  life- 
less on  the  cold  earth.  I  was  sad.  I  deplored  the 
loss  of  my  good,  and  valuable  team;  but  more  the 
mystery  and  suspicion  that  hung  over  the  event.  I 
returned  home  and  sat  down  to  devise  some  plan  of 
procedure.  What  could  I  do?  Half  the  means  of 
our  support  had  been  suddenly  and  mysteriously 
snatched  from  us.  What  could  I  do  next?  While 
thus  ruminating,  I  arose  to  answer  a  summons  at  the 


3S. 

iccordingly 

jolony.     In 

18  as  usual, 

e  the  hired 

ived  at  the 

taking  off 

This  was 

nyself  with 

[eft,  yet  he 

alone,  the 

[  the  means 

hired  one, 

termination 

and  perse- 

l  proceeded 

je,  which  I 

fell  in  the 

Q  of  it,  my 

reathed  his 

he  lay  life- 

jplored  the 

t  more  the 

e  event.    I 

me  plan  of 

3  means  of 

lysteriously 

:t?    While 

Qons  at  the 


TEMPTATION  RESISTED. 


281 


door,  and  who  should  enter  but  Mr.  B.  Paul,  a  brother 
to  our  foreign  agent,  who  had  so  long  absented 
himself  from  our  house,  that  I  was  indeed  surprised 
to  see  him  at  this  time.  He,  however,  seated  himself, 
with  great  apparent  concern  for  my  recent  loss,  which 
he  soon  made  the  subject  of  conversation  and  the 
object  of  his  visit. 

"There  has  been,"  said  he,  "a  great  deal  of  un- 
pleasant  feeling,  and  injudicious  speaking  on  both 
sides,  for  which  I  am  heartily  sorry.  The  colony  is 
too  weak  to  sustain  a  division  of  feelings;  and  now, 
that  your  recent  losses  have  left  you  in  a  far  less 
favorable  condition  to  sustain  yourself  and  family,  I 
have  called  to  make  a  settlement  of  our  former  diffi- 
culties, and  to  offer  you  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars 
out  of  the  collections  for  the  colony." 

I  saw  through  the  plan  at  once,  and  considered  it 
only  a  bribe,  to  prevent  my  exposing  the  iniquity  of 
others.     Should  I  consent  to  take  a  part  of  the  ill- 
gotten  spoils,  with  what  confidence  could  I  attempt  to 
stay  the  hand  of  the  spoiler.     I  wanted  money  very 
much,  it  is  true;  but  after  a  moment's  reflection,  not 
enough  to  sanction  the  manner  in  which  it  had  been 
obtained;  and  though  I  confess,  the  offer  presented  to 
me  a  strong  temptation,  I  am  thankful  that  I  was 
enabled  to  resist  it.    I  refused  to  accept  the  money; 
and  after  sending  away  the  tempter  and  his  offered 


a. 


£4  If  I 

•r  II 


life 


m 


222 


PRIVATE  LOSSES  AND  DIFFICULTIES. 


gain,  I  felt  my  heart  lighter,  and  my  conscience  more 
peaceful  than  is  often  the  lot  of  sinful,  erring  man  in 
this  world  of  trial  and  conflict;  and  yet  I  could  but 
feel  that  the  mystery  in  which  the  death  of  my  horses 
was  involved,  was  partially  at  least,  explained. 


CHAPTER    XXVI, 


INCIDENTS  AND  PECULIARITIES  OF  THE  INDUNS. 

DURING  our  residence  in  Canada,  we  were  often 
visited  by  the  Indians,  which  gave  us  an  oppor- 
tunity to  learn  their  character,  habits  and  disposition ; 
and  some  incidents  illustrative  of  the  peculiarities  of 
that  abused  people,  I  will  here  mention. 

I  recollect  one  bitter  cold  night,  about  eleven 
o'clock,  I  happened  to  awake,  and  looking  out  toward 
the  fire,  I  was  surprised  to  see  standing  there,  erect 
and  quiet,  a  tall,  brawny  Indian,  wrapped  in  his 
blanket;  his  long  hunting  knife  and  tomahawk  dang- 
ling from  his  belt ;  and  his  rifle  in  his  hand.  Had  he 
been  in  his  own  wigwam,  he  could  not  have  looked 
about  him  with  more  satisfaction  and  independence.  I 
instantly  sprang  to  my  feet,  and  demanded  his  errand. 

"Me  lost  in  the  woods,  and  me  come  to  stay  all 
night,"  was  his  grave  reply. 

-  hen,    said  j.,    give  me  your  weapons,  and  I  will 


^l 

'^:i-^ 

i 


III 

1  1 

!      ''i 

1 1;,^- 

'  1 

1  i 

— — .i£' 

II 

•tmmmmmtm 


mmmm 


224        INDIAN  INCIDENTS  AND  PECULIARITIES. 

make  no  objection."    He  disarmed  himself,  and  gave 
his  weapons  to  me,  with  an  air  of  haughty  disdain  for 
my  fears.     I  put  them  in  a  place  of  safety  and  then 
prepared  his  bed,  which  was  nothing  more  than  the 
^oor,  where  they  choose  to  sleep,  with  their  head  to 
the  fire.     My  offer  of  anything  different  from  this  he 
proudly  resented  as  an  insult  to  his  powers  of  endur- 
ance, and  would  say,  "  beds  for  pale  faces  and  women; 
hard  board  for  Indians."    He  threw  himself  down, 
drew  his  blanket  about  him,  and  was  soon  sleeping 
soundly.    As  soon  as  the  day  began  to  dawn,  he  was 
up,  called  for  his  arms,  and  after  thanking  me  in  the 
brief   Indian  style  of  politeness,   departed   for  the 
forest.  .He  had  found  our  doors  all  fastened,  save  a  low 
back  door,  through  which  he  entered,  passing  through 
a  back  room  so  full  of  miscellaneous  articles,  that  it 
was  difficult  to  go  through  it  in  the  day  time  without 
upsetting  something;    but  the  Indian  understood  all 
this,  he  made  no  noise,  nor  would  he  have  spoken  at 
all,  had  I  not  awakened;   and  yet,  he  would  have 
scorned  to  injure  any  one  beneath  the  roof  that  gave 
him  shelter,  unless  he  had  been  intoxicated. 

One  sabbath  afternoon,  one  of  my  children  was 
sitting  in  the  door,  when  a  tall,  emaciated  Indian  came 
up  and  said,  "  Will  my  little  lady  please  to  give  me 
a  drink  of  water?"  While  she  went  for  it,  I  invited 
him  to  a  seat  within.  There  was  something  dignified 
and  commanding  in  his  appearance,  and  something  in 


f 


ITIES. 

If,  and  gave 
Y  disdain  for 
sty  and  then 
)re  than  the 
leir  head  to 
from  this  he 
rs  of  endur- 
md  women; 
Qself  down, 
>on  sleeping 
iwn,  he  was 
%  me  in  the 
:ed   for  the 
1,  save  a  low 
ing  through 
^cles,  that  it 
ime  without 
ierstood  all 
e  spoken  at 
7-ould  have 
>f  that  gave 
I. 

lildren  was 
ndian  came 
to  give  me 
t,  I  invited 
g  dignified 
mething  in 


I 


VISIT  FROM  ONE  OF  TECUMSEH'S  BRAVES.     225 

liis  voice  and  countenance,  that  won  my  confidence 
and  respect  at  once.  He  remained  in  the  place  some 
time,  and  I  learned  his  history. 

In  his  younger  days  he  had  been  a  great  warrior; 
and  even  now,  when  recounting,  as  he  often  did,  the 
scenes  of  the  battle  field,  his  eye  would  burn  with 
savage  fire,  lighting  up  his  whole  countenance  with 
the  fiercest  kind  of  bravery,  and  often  with  a  hideous 
yell  that  would  startle  our  very  souls,  he  would  burst 
from  the  room  and  bound  over  the  fields  and  forest, 
with  the  fleetness  of  a  deer-making  the  woods  ring 
with  his  frightful  war-cry,  until  the  blood  seemed 
ready  to  curdle  in  our  veins.     He  had  also  been 
one  of  the  famous  Tecumseh's  braves;  and  had  stood 
by  hun  when  he  feU  on  the  fifth  of  October,  1813. 
This  old  brave,  whenever  he  called  the  name  of 
Tecumseh,  bowed  his  head  reverently;    and  would 
often  try  to  tell  us  how  very  deeply  they  mourned 
when  It  could  no  longer  be  doubted  that  the  brave 
heart  of  Tecumseh,  brother  of  the  celebrated  Wabash 
prophet,  had  ceased  to  beat. 

"Had  an  arrow  pierced  the  sun  and  brought  it  to 
my  feet,"  said  the  old  warrior,  - 1  could  not  have  been 
more  astounded  than  at  the  fall  of  Tecumseh,  Then 
he  told  us  that  once,  after  a  great  and  victorious  battle, 
Tecumseh,  in  his  war  paint  and  feathers,  stood  in  the 
midst  of  his  braves,  when  a  little  pale  faced  girl  made 
her  way  weepinor  tn  liim  n^A  ..-.:j    u-\r 


')  ■ 


■  t 


226 


INDIAN  INCIDENTS   AND   PECULIARITIES. 


very  ill,  and  your  men  are  abusing  her,  and  refuse  to 
go  away."  "Never,"  said  the  Indian,  "did  I  see  a 
frown  so  terrible  on  the  face  of  Tecumseh,  as  at  that 
moment;  when  he  with  one  hand  clutched  his  toma- 
hawk, and  with  the  other  led  the  little  girl  to  the 
scene  of  riot.  He  approached  the  unruly  savages 
with  uplifted  tomahawk,  its  edge  glittering  like  silver, 
and  with  one  shout  of  *  begone ! '  they  scattered  as 
though  a  thunderbolt  had  fallen  in  their  midst." 

But  the  old  warrior  at  Wilberforce  fought  no  more 
battles,  except  in  imagination  those  of  the  past.  After 
peace  was  declared  he  bought  a  valuable  piece  of  land, 
with  the  intention  of  spending  the  remainder  of  his 
life  more  quietly ;  but  unfortunately  there  lived  not 
far  fiom  him  a  man  who  had  once  been  the  possessor 
of  that  farm,  and  had  lost  it  in  some  way,  and  was 
now  in  reduced  circumstances. 

He  was  both  envious  and  vicious ;  and  because  he 
could  not  himself  buy  the  land,  he  was  determined 
that  the  old  Indian  should  not  have  it.  After  having 
tried  many  ways  to  get  it  from  him,  he  finally  com- 
plained of  him,  for  fighting  for  the  British  and  against 
the  country  where  he  now  resided.  This  was  success- 
ful; he  was  arrested  and  thrown  into  prison,  and 
without  a  trial,  removed  from  one  prison  tc  f,nother, 
until  he,  with  several  others,  was  sent  South  to  be  tried 
as  traitors.  While  on  the  way,  the  keeper  of  this 
Indian  wished  to  call  on  his  mother,  who  lived  in  a 


riES. 

nd  refuse  to 
iid  I  see  a 
I,  as  at  that 
1  his  toma- 
girl  to  the 
illy  savages 
1  like  silver, 
scattered  as 
lidfit." 

!;ht  no  more 
past.  After 
iece  of  land, 
inder  of  his 
e  lived  not 
le  possessor 
ly,  and  was 

because  he 
determined 
Liter  having 
finally  com- 
and  against 
was  success- 
prison,  and 
tc  another, 
h  to  be  tried 
iper  of  this 

>  iivfid    in  A. 


WRONGS  OF  THE  RED  MAN. 


227 


little  cottage  by  the  roadside,  to  bid  her  farew(jll.   She 
was  an  aged  woman,  and  when  her  son  left  lier  to  join 
his  companions,  she  followed  him  to  the  door  weeping, 
wringing  her  hands  in  great  distress,  and  imploring 
the  widow's  God  to  protect  her  only  son.   She  had  had 
four;   all  of  whom  went  forth,  with  an  American 
mother's  blessing,  to  fight  in  defence  of  their  country; 
and  this  one  alone,  returned  alive  from  the  field  of 
battle.    Now  as  he  took  his  final  departure  for  the 
South,  she  clasped  her  hands,  raised  her  tearful  eyes  to 
heaven,  and  while  large  drops  rolled  over  her  wrinkled 
cheeks,  she  cried,  "  Oh,  God,  protect  my  only  one,  and 
return  him  to  me  in  safety,  ere  I  die."   This  scene,  the 
imprisoned,  and  as  some  supposed,  heartless  Indian, 
watched  with  interest ;  no  part  of  it  escaped  his  atten- 
tion; but  they  passed  on,  and  safely  reached  Detroit. 
The  prisoners  were  conducted  to  a  hotel  and  secured 
for  the  night;  our  Indian  hero  being  consigned  to  an 
attic,  which  they  supposed  a  safe  place  for  him.   There 
happened  to  be  on  that  night,  a  company  of  showmen 
stopping   at  that  hotel,   and  exhibiting  wax-work; 
among  the  rest,  was  a  figure  of  General  Brocl:,  who 
fell  at  Queenston  Heighte,  and  a  costly  cloak  of  fur, 
worn  by  the  General  previous  to  his  death.     Nothing 
of  this  escaped  the  eagle-eye  and  quick  ear  of  the 
Indian.     When  all  was  quiet  in  the  hotel,  he  com- 
menced operations,  for  he  had  made  up  his  mind  to 


hich  with  the  red  man  is  paramount  to  an 


■it    ; 

f 

1' 

fill 

ih. 

W  ' 

■  C 

1 

•.J      i 

■  ''           ■  f 

1 

•MHMallMHn 


mmtm 


MMjTM^^ijSaHff 


228        INDIAN  INCIDENTS  AND  PECULIARITIES. 


accomplishment  of  his  design.  He  found  no  great 
difficulty  in  removing  the  window  of  his  lofty  apart- 
ment, out  of  which  he  clambered,  and  with  the  agility 
of  a  squirrel  and  the  caution  of  a  cat,  he  sprang  for 
the  conductor  and  on  it  he  slid  to  the  ground.  He  was 
now  free  to  go  where  he  pleased;  but  he  had  heard 
something  about  the  cloak  of  Gen.  Brock ;  he  knew 
too,  that  the  friends  of  the  General  had  Oiiered  fifty 
guineas  for  it,  and  now  he  would  just  convey  it  to 
them. 

With  the  sagacity  of  his  race,  he  surveyed  the  hotel, 
and  determined  the  exact  location  of  the  show-room. 
Stealthily  and  noiselessly,  he  entered  it;  found  the 
cloak — took  it  and  departed,  chuckling  at  Im  good 
fortune.  As  he  was  creeping  out  of  the  apartment 
with  his  booty,  a  thought  struck  him,  which  not  only 
arrested  his  footsteps,  but  nearly  paralized  his  whole 
being.  Would  not  his  keeper  be  made  to  answer,  and 
perhaps  to  suffer  for  his  oscape  and  theft?  Of  course 
he  would.  "  Then  in  the  darkness  I  saw  again,"  said 
the  old  brave,  "that  old  pale-£aced  mother,  weeping 
for  the  loss  of  her  only  son,''  when  he  immediately 
returned  the  cloak  to  its  place,  and  with  far  more 
difficulty  than  in  hie  descent,  he  succeeded  in  reaching 
his  attic  prison,  where  he  laid  lumself  down,  muttering 
to  himself,    "not  yet, — ^poor  old  pale-face  got  but 


one. 


V 


Thev  took  liim  to  Virginia,  where,  instead  of  a  trial, 


:iES. 

d  no  great 
lofty  apart- 
.  the  agility 
sprang  for 
id.  He  was 
had  heard 
•  he  knew 
)ifered  fifty 
onvey  it  to 

d  the  hotel, 
show-room. 

found  the 
it  his  good 

apartment 
;h  not  only 
I  his  whole 
answer,  and 

Of  course 
again,"  said 
er,  weeping 
mmediately 
h  far  more 
in  reaching 
1,  muttering 
oe  got  but 

id  of  a  trial, 


INDIAN  STRATAGEM. 


229 


they  gave  hira  about  the  same  liberty  they  do  their 
slaves.     He  staid   one  winter;  but  when  the  spring 
opened,  the  fire  of  the  red  man  took  possession  of  him, 
and  when  sent  to  the  forest  to  chop  wood,  he  took  a 
bee-line  for  his  former  residence.    But  what  was  he  to 
do  for  food  ?    With  a  rifle,  he  could  live  happily  in 
the  woods,  but  he  had  none;  so  after  considering  the 
matter,  he  said  to  himself,  "Me  must  get  a  rifle,"  and 
instantly  started  for  the  highway.     The  first  cabin  he 
saw,  he  entered  in  great  apparent  excitement,  and  told 
the  woman  of  the  house,  that  he  had  seen  a  "  big 
deer  in  the  woods,  and  wanted  a  rifle  to  shoot  it! 
When  you  hear  my  gun,"  he  said,  "then  you  come 
and  get  big  deer."     She  gave  him  her  husband's 
excellent  rifle  and  a  few  bullets;  he  looked  at  them, 
and  said  he  must  have  more,  for  "it  was  a  big  deer;" 
so  she  gave  him  the  bullet-mould  and  a  piece  of  lead, 
with  which  he  departed,  after  repeating  his  former 
injunction,  to  come  when  she  heard  the  rifle ;  but,  said 
he,  "  she  no  hear  it  yet." 

He  at  length  arrived  at  his  own  farm,  from  which 
he  had  been  so  cruelly  driven,  and  concealed  himself 
behind  a  log  in  sight  of  his  own  house,  to  watch  the 
inmates.  He  soon  learned  that  it  was  occupied  by  the 
man  who  had  persecuted  him  m  order  to  obtain  it,  his 
wife  and  one  cliild.  All  day  until  midnight,  he 
watched  them  from  his  hiding  place,  then  assuming 
all  the  savatje  ferocitv  of  hia  nnfi„^o  „«;i  ^•„:_„  t_.--. 


h 


m 


■  Vnwi^f-JtW 


230        INDIAN  INCIDENTS  AND   PECULIARITIES. 


self  the  most  fidglitful  appearance  possible,  he  entered 
the  house,  and  noiselessly  passed  to  their  sleeping 
room,  where  he  placed  himself  before  them  with  a 
long  knife  in  his  hand.  Having  assumed  this  frightful 
attitude,  he  commanded  them  in  a  voice  of  thunder, 
to  get  up  and  give  him  some  supper.  They  were 
awake  now.  Oh,  horror  1  what  a  sight  for  a  guilty 
man,  and  a  timid  woman  I  "  Me  come  to  kill  you !  " 
said  the  Indian,  as  he  watched  their  blanched  cheeks 
and  quivering  lips.  They  tottered  about  on  their 
trembling  limbs  to  get  everything  he  asked  for,  im-. 
ploring  him  for  God's  sake  to  take  all,  but  spare  their 
lives.  "Me  will  have  scalps,"  he  answered  fiercely; 
but  when  he  had  eaten  all  he  desired,  he  adjusted  his 
blanket,  and  putting  on  a  savage  look,  he  remarked  as 
if  to  himself,  "  Me  go  now  get  my  men  and  kill  him, 
kill  he  wife,  and  kill  he  baby  1  "  and  left  the  house  for 
his  post  of  observation. 

The  frightened  inmates  lost  no  time,  but  hastUy 
collecting  some  provisions,  fled  to  the  frontier,  and 
were  never  heard  of  afterwards. 

The  Indian  immediately  ok  possession  of  his  own 
and  quite  an  addition  left  by  the  former  tenants. 

"While  the  kind-hearted  old  Indian  repeated  to  me 
the  story  of  his  wrongs,  it  reminded  me  of  the  injustice 
practised  on  myself,  and  the  colored  race  generally. 
Does  a  colored  man  by  hard  labor  and  patient  in- 
diLstrv-   n<5nuir6  a  cood  loc-ation-   a  fine  farm^  and 


DESTINY  OF  THE  COLORED  MAN.  231 

comfortable  dwelling,  he  is  almost  sure  to  be  looked 
upon  bj  the  white  man,  as  an  usurper  of  his  rights 
and  territory;  a  robber  of  what  he  himself  should 
possess,  and  too  often  does  wrong  the  colored  man 
out  of,— jet,  I  am  happy  to  acknowledge  many  hon- 
orable exceptions. 

I  have  often  wondered,  when  looking  at  the  rem- 
nant  of  that  once  powerful  race,  whether  the  black 
man  would  become  extinct  and  his  race  die  out  as 
have  the  red  men  of  the  forest;  whether  they  would 
wither  m  the  presence  of  the  enterprising  Anglo-Saxon 
as  have  the  natives  of  this  country.    But  now  I  have 
no  such  wondering  inquiries  to  make;  being  persuaded 
that  the  colored  man  has  yet  a  prominent  part  to  act 
m  this  highly-favored  Eepublic,-of  what  description 
the  future  must  determine. 


)atient  m- 


CHAPTEE    XXVII. 


OUR  DIFFICULTIES  WITH  ISRAEL  LEWIS, 


BEING  under  the  necessity  of  referring  again  to  the 
difl&culties  existing  in  the  Wilberforce  colony, 
I  shall  here  introduce  a  circular,  published  in  New 
York  city,  which  will  give  the  reader  an  understand- 
ing of  the  real  cause  of  our  embarrassments,  and  the 
character  of  our  agent,  Israel  Lewis. 

CIRCULAR 

New  Yotk,  May  9<A,  1836. 

The  committee  of  colored  citizens  of  the  city  of  Now  York,  as 
gerrants  of  the  public,  sincerelj  regret  the  necessity  of  bringing  the 
within  subject  before  the  public.  Their  duty  to  God,  to  society,  and 
to  themselves,  only  actuates  them  in  this  matter. 

The  fact  that  many  individuals  in  different  sections  of  the  country, 
have  long  suspected  the  integrity  of  Israel  Lewis,  but  possessing  no 
authentic  documentary  evidence,  they  hare  been  prevented  from 


ISBAEL  LEWIS    DISIIONKSTY  DENOUNCED.      283 

making  an  effort,  to  counteract  his  too  successful  attempts  and  those 
of  his  agents,  in  the  collection  of  funds  from  the  public,  has  induceo 
iw  to  tfansmit  this  circular. 

Thkodoiib  S.  WuioiiT.        David  RuaoiES, 

PETKtt  OODEX.  Jonj,  StAXS, 

Thomas  Dowm.no,  William  P.  Johnsow. 

Qkohqe  Potts,  William  Hamilton. 

Chaeles  B.  Rat,  Samu.l  E.  Coenish. 


ISRAEL    LEWIS. 


Wilberforce,  V.  C,  March  28th,  1836. 
The  board  of  managers  of  the  Wilberforce  settlement,  met  and 
passed  unanimously  the  foUowing  resolutions-Present,  Austin  Stew- 
ard,  Philip  F^rris,  Peter  Butler.  WiUiam  BeU.  John  Whitehead. 
Samuel  Peters. 

Jie,olved.  IsL  That  we  deeply  regret  the  manner  in  which  our 
fnends  in  the  States  have  been  imposed  upon  by  Israel  Lewis;  and 
tiiat  we  hereby  inform  them,  as  a  board  of  manager,  or  oUxerwise, 
that  we  have  received  less  than  one  hundred  dollars  of  all  the  money 
borrowed  and  collected  in  the  States. 

^e,olved,  2d.  That  although  we  have  not  received  one  hundred 
dollars  from  said  Lewis,  yet.  when  we  shaU  have  received  the  funds 
colected  by  our  agent,  the  Rev.  Nathan  Paul,  in  Enghmd,  we  will 
refund  as  far  as  our  abilities  will  allow  and  our  friends  may  require 
the  money  contributed  for  our  supposed  benefit,  by  them  in  the 
States. 

Jie>olved,  3d.  That  we  tender  our  sincere  tbanks  to  our  beloved 
friends.  Arthur  Tappan  and  others,  who  have  taken  such  deep  inter- 
est  m  the  welfare  of  oui  little  colony. 

Resolved,  4th.    That  the  foregoing  resolutions  bo  signed  by  the 


234       OUR  DIFFICULTIES  WITH  ISRAEL  LEWIS. 

vrhoU  board,  and  se.  t  to  the  States  to  be  published  in  the  New  York 

Observer  and  other  papers. 

AU8TIN  STEWARD,  Prendmi, 
PETER  BUTLER,  Treaturer, 
JOHN  HALMES,  Secretary. 


Philip  Habub, 
William  Bbll, 
JoHK  Whitbbiad, 
Samukl  Pktxbs, 


'MdfUtgera. 


New  Twk,  April  ZUh,  1836. 

At  a  public  meeting  of  the  colored  citizens  of  New  Tork  city, 
held  in  Phcenix  Hall,  Thomas  x..  Jennings  in  the  Chair,  and  Charles 
B.  Ray,  Secretary,  the  following  resolutions  were  passed  unani* 
moaBly : 

Retolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  meeting  be  tendered  to  the  Rer. 
Samuel  E,  Cornish,  for  the  able  and  satisfactory  report  of  his  mission 
to  Upper  Canada,  especially  to  the  Wilberforce  settlement. 

Retolved,  That  this  meeting  deem  it  their  imperative  duty,  to 
announce  to  the  public,  that  in  view  of  facts  before  them,  Israel 
Lewis*  has  abused  ih'ir  confi<lence,  wasted  ♦aeir  benevolence,  and 
forfeited  all  claim  to  their  countenance  and  respect 

Retolved,  That  a  committee  of  ten,  be  appointed  to  give  publicity 
to  the  foregoing  resolutions;  also,  to  the  communication  from  the 
managers  of  the  Wilberforce  settleraent)  as  they  may  detm  necessary 
in  the  case. 

THOMAS  L.  JENNINGS,  Chairman, 
CHARLES  B.  RAY,  Secretary. 

It  will  now  appear  that  I  was  not  the  only  unfortu- 
nate individu£;l  who  had  difficulty  with  Mr.  Lewis. 

•It  nece«£4rily  follows  that  the  public  ■hould  withhold  their  monej  from  his  sub- 
ordinate ag«ntg. 


MB.  TAPPAN  EXPOSES  LEWIS. 


285 


Mr.  Arthur  Tapp£ 


nej  from  bU  rab* 


nade  known  through  the  press 
uuuu.  inis  time,  that  Israel  Lewis  was  not  a  man  to  be 
fully  rehr  1  upon  in  his  statements  regarding  the  Wil- 
Derforce  colony;  and  also,  if  money  was  placed  in  his 
Hands  for  the  benefit  of  the  sick  and  destitute  among 
the  settlers,  it  would  be  doubtful  whether  it  was  faith- 
fully  applied  according  to  the  wishes  of  the  donors. 

For  this  plain  statement  of  facte,  Mr.  Lewis  com- 
menced  a  suit  against  Mr.  Tappan,  for  defamation  of 
character;  laying  the  damages  at  the  round  sum  of 
ten  thousand  dollars.    It  appeared  that  Lewis  valued 
His    reputation    highly  now  that   he    had    elevated 
himself  sufficiently  to  cc        once  a  suit  against  one  of 
the  best  and  most  respectable  gentlemen  in  New  York 
city;  a  whole  souled  aboUtionist  withal;  one  who  had 
suffered  his  name  to  be  cast  out  as  evil,  on  account  of 
his  devotion  to  the  colored  man's  cause-both  of  the 
enslaved  an.^  free;  one  who  has,  moreover,  seen  his 
own  dwelling  entered  by  an  infuriated  and  pro-slavery 
mob;  his  expensive  furniture  thrown  into  the  street  as 
fuel  for  the  torch  of  the  black  man's  foe ;  and,"  amid 
the  crackling  flajne  which  consumed  it,  to  hear  the  vile 
vociferations   of  his    base    persecutors,  whose  only 
accusation  was  his  defence  of  the  colored  man.    This 
noble    hearted,    christian    phUanthropist,   who    took 
"joyfully  the  spoiling  of  his  goods"  for  the  cause  of 
the  oppressed,  was  the  chosen  victim  of  Lewis'  wrath 
and  violent  vituperation;  and  that  too,  where  he  was 


-  — J-~~"- — Y«^^ 


286       OUR  DIFFICULTIES  WITH  ISRAEL  LEWIS. 

well  known  as  a  most  honorable,  humane  gentleman ; 
and  all  for  naming  facts  which  were  quite  generally 
known  already. 

Lewis  returned  to  Wilberforce,  flushed  and  swag- 
gering with  the  idea  of  making  his  fortune  in  this 
speculation  of  a  law-suit  against  Mr.  Tappan;  and  to 
remove  all  obstacles,  he  sent  a  man  to  me,  to  say  that 
if  I.  would  publish  nothing,  and  would  abandon  the 
interests  of  the  colonists,  he  would  give  me  a  hand- 
some sum  of  money.  I  soon  gave  him  to  understand 
that  he  had  applied  to  the  wrong  person  for  anything 
of  that  kind ;  and  he  then  laid  a  plan  to  accomplish 
by  fraud  and  perjury,  what  he  had  failed  to  do  by 
bribery. 

I  have  before  mentioned  the  fact  of  my  having 
taken  up  a  note  of  twenty-five  dollars  for  Mr.  Lewis, 
on  condition,  that  he  would  soon  refund  the  moiiey.  I 
did  it  as  a  favor,  and  kept  the  note  in  my  possession, 
until  about  a  year  afterward,  when  I  sued  him  to 
recover  my  just  due  on  the  note.  We  had  then  began 
to  differ  in  our  public  business,  which  led  to  other 
differences  in  our  transaction  of  both  public  and 
private  matters  relating  to  the  colony.  He  of  course 
gave  bail  for  his  appearance  at  court,  and  it  ran  along 
for  some  time  until  he  found  he  could  not  bribe  me  to 
enter  into  his  interests,  and  then  for  the  first  time,  he 
declared  that  I  had  stolen  the  note  I  And  finally  suc- 
ceeded in  getting  me  indicted  before  the  grand  jury  1 


LEWIS. 

le  gentleman ; 
iiite  generally 

ed  and  swag- 
'liune  in  this 
ppan;  and  to 
le,  to  say  that 
abandon  the 
}  me  a  hand- 
to  understand 
L  for  anything 
to  accomplish 
led  to  do  by 

f  my  having 
)r  Mr.  Lewis, 
;he  money.  I 
ly  possession, 
sued  him  to 
,d  then  began 
led  to  other 
public  and 
He  of  course 
I  it  ran  along 
't  bribe  me  to 
first  time,  he 
id  finally  suc- 
^and  jury  1 


BITTER  PERSECUTION  BY  LEWIS.  237 

In  this  I  suppose  Lewis  and  his  confederates  had 
two  objects:  first,  to  get  rid  of  me;  secondly,  that  they 
might  have  a  chance  to  account  for  my  continued 
hostility,  by  saying  that  it  aro^e  in  consequence  of  a 
private  quarrel,  and  not  for  any  true  interest  I  had  in 
their  collecting  money  deceptively. 

Lewis  appeared  so  bent  on  my  destruction,  that  he 
forgot  it  was  in  my  power  to  show  how  I  came  by  the 
note.  The  Court  of  King's  Bench  met,  but  in  conse- 
quence  of  the  cholera,  was  adjourned,  and  of  course, 
the  case  must  He  over  untH  another  year. 

When  the  time  for  the  trial  drew  near,  I  was,  in  the 
midst  of  my  preparations  to  attend  it,  counseUed  and 
advised  by  difi'erent  persons  to  flee  from  the  country, 
which  I  had  labored  so  hard  and  so  conscientiously  to 
benefit,  and  received  in  return  nothing  but  detraction 
and  slander.     But  conscious  of  my  innocence,  I  de- 
clared I  would  not  leave;  I  knew  I  had  committed  no 
crime;   I  had  violated  no  law  of  the  land,-and  I 
would   do  nothing  to  imply  guilt.     He  who  hath 
formed  the  heart,  knoweth  its  intent,  and  purpose,  and 
to  Him  I  felt  willing  to  commit  my  cause.     True,  the 
court  might  convict,  imprison,  and  transport  me  away 
from  my  helpless  family  of  five  small  children;  if  so, 
I  was  determined  they  should  punish  an  innocent 
man.     Neverthelass,  it  was  a  dark  time;  I  was  not    " 
only  saddened   and    perplexed,   but  my  spirit  was 
grieved,  and  I  felt  like  one  -  wounded  in  the  hmos^  -f 


!<;'j 


m 


238       OUR  DIFFICULTIES  WITH  ISRAEL  LEWIS. 


his  friends," — ^ready  to  cry  out,  "  had  it  been  an  enemy 
I  could  have  borne  it,"  but  to  be  arraigned,  for  ih.e 
first  time  in  my  life,  as  a  crirrinal,  by  one  of  the  very 
people  I  had  spent  my  substance  to  benefit,  was 
extremely  trying.  Guiltless  as  I  knew  myself  to  be, 
still,  I  was  aware  that  many  incidents  had  transpired, 
which  my  enemies  could  and  would  construe  to  my 
disadvantage;  moreover,  Lewis  had  money,  which  he 
would  freely  distribute  to  gain  his  point  right  or 
wrong,  and  to  get  me  out  of  his  way. 

In  due  time  the  trial  came  on,  and  I  was  to  be  tried 
for  theft!  Lewis  had  reported  all  through  the  settle- 
ment that  on  a  certain  time  I  had  called  at  his 
house,  and  from  a  bundle  of  papers  which  his  wife 
showed  me,  I  had  purloined  the  note,  which  had 
caused  me  so  much  trouble.  To  prove  this  it  was 
necessary  to  get  his  wife  to  corroborate  the  statement. 
This  was  not  an  easy  matter.  Mrs.  Lewis,  indignant 
and  distressed  by  her  husband's  unkindness,  had  left 
him  and  taken  up  her  abode  in  the  family  of  a  hospi- 
table Englishman.  After  Lewis  had  been  sent  out  as 
an  agent  for  the  colony,  finding  himself  possessed  of 
sufficient  ftinds  to  cut  a  swell,  he  associated  and  was 
made  a  great  deal  of,  by  both  ladies  and  gentlemen  in 
high  stations  of  life ;  the  consequence  of  which  was, 
he  looked  now  with  disdain  upon  his  faithful,  but 
illiterate  wife,  who  like  himself  had  been  bom  a  slave, 
and  bred  on  a  Southern  plantation;  and  who  had  with 


4EW1S. 


lewis'  shameful  treatment  or  his  wipe.  239 


len  an  enemy 
^ed,  for  ihe 
J  of  the  very 
benefit,  was 
nyself  to  be, 
d  transpired, 
istrue  to  my 
ey,  which,  he 
int  right  or 

as  to  be  tried 
gh  the  settle- 
jailed  at  his 
lich  his  wife 
,  which  had 
J  this  it  was 
he  statement, 
ris,  indignant 
Qcss,  had  left 
ly  of  a  hospi- 
m  sent  out  as 

possessed  of 
ated  and  waa 
gentlemen  in 
)f  which  waa, 

faithful,  but 

bom  a  slave, 

who  had  with 


hini  escaped  from  the  cruel  taak-master,  enduring  with 
him  the  hardships  and  dangers  of  the  flying  fugitive. 
Now  her  assistance  was  necessary  to  carry  forward 
his  plans,   and  he  eudeavored  in  various  ways  to 
induce  her  to  return,  but  in  vain.    When  he  sent 
messengers  to  inform  her  how  sorry  he  felt  for  his  past 
abuse,  she  said  she  feared  it  was  only  some  wicked 
plot  to  entice  her    waj  from  the  peaceable  home  she 
had  found,     livms  saw  that  he  must  devise  some 
other  raethv/ci  oo  obtain  her  evidence.    He  therefore 
called  on  the  brother  of  the  Englishman  in  whose 
family  Mrs.  Lewis  was,  and  in  a  threatening  manner 
told  him  that  he  understood  his  brother  waa  harboring 
his  wife,  and  that  he  intended  to  make  him  pay  dear 
for  it.    The  brother,  to  save  trouble,  said  he  would 
assist  him  to  get  his  wife,  and  that  night  conducted 
Lewis  to  her  residence.    No  better  proof  can  be  given 
that  Mrs.  Lewis  possessed  the  true  heart  of  a  woman, 
than  that  the  moment  her  husband  made  humble  con- 
cessions, and  promised  to  love  and  protect  her  hence- 
forth, she  forgave  him  all  his  past  infidelity  and 
neglect,  and  looked  with  hope  to  a  brighter  future.  In 
return  Lewis  presented  her  with  a  note,  telhng  her  to 
take  it  to  a  certain  person  and  present  it,  and  he 
would  give  her  twenty  dollars  on  it.    This  would,  he 
doubtless  thought,  leave  her  in  his  power. 

As  Mrs.  Lewis  could  not  read,  the  unsuspecting  wife 
presented  the  paper  all  in  good  faith.    The  gentleman 


240       OUR  DIFFICULTIES  WITH  ISRAEL  LEWIS. 


.yj' 


looked  at  her  sharply,  suspiciously, — and  then  asked 
her,  if  she  was  not  aware  that  she  was  presenting  him 
a  paper  completely  worthless  I  The  poor  woman  was 
mortified  and  astonished ;  and  instead  of  returning  to 
her  husiand,  fled  to  Wilberforoe,  and  called  at  our 
house.  Knowing  how  disastrous  to  me  would  be  her 
false  statement,  and  ignorant  of  her  state  of  mind,  I 
asked  her  if  she  had  come  to  assist  Mr.  Lewis  by 
swearing  against  me.  I  saw  at  once,  that  she  had  not 
yet  been  informed,  of  her  husband's  design. 

"  Sweaj  against  you,  Mr.  Steward ! "  said  she.  "  I 
know  nothing  to  swear  that  would  injure  you ;  I  have 
always  known  you  as  an  honest,  upright  man,  and  you 
need  not  fear  my  turning  against  an  innocent  person, 
for  the  benefit  of  one  I  know  to  be  guilty.  Nor 
would  I  have  left  my  place,  had  I  known  what  I  now 
do."     So  ail  help  and  fear  was  ended  in  that  quarter. 

Wlien  at  length  the  appointed  morning  arrived,  I 
arose  early,  but  with  a  saddened  heart.  I  looked  upon 
my  wife  and  helpless  family,  reflecting  that  possibly 
this  might  be  the  last  time  we  should  all  assemble 
around  the  breakfast  table  in  our  hitherto  quiet  home, 
and  I  could  scarcely  refrain  from  weeping.  I,  how- 
ever, took  my  leave,  and  a  lad  with  me,  to  bring  back 
a  message  of  the  result,  if  the  court  found  sufficient 
cause  to  detain  me  for  trial.  But  when  I  found  that  I 
must  be  tried,  I  felt  too  unhappy  to  make  others  so, 
and  kept  out  of  the  lad's  way.    He  returned  without 


\  :f- 


LEWIS. 

id  then  asked 
)resentiiig  him 
Dr  woman  was 
f  returning  to 
called  at  our 
would  be  her 
lie  of  mind,  I 
kir.  Lewis  by 
at  she  had  not 
ign. 

'  said  she.    "  I 

e  you ;  I  have 

man,  and  you 

locent  person, 

guilty.     Nor 

n  what  I  now 

that  quarter. 

ing  arrived,  I 

I  looked  upon 

that  possibly 
[  all  assemble 
to  quiet  home, 
Ding.  I,  how- 
to  bring  back 
und  sufficient 
I  found  that  I 
ake  others  so, 
urned  without 


BITTER  PERSECUTION  AGAIN  FOILED.  241 

a  message ;  and  I  took  my  seat  in  the  prisoner's  box. 
I  had  just  taken  a  letter  out  of  the  post  office,  from 
Rochester,  containing  recommendations  and  attesta- 
tions from  the  first  men  in  the  city,  of  my  good 
character,  which  relieved  my  feelings  somewhat; 
nevertheless,  my  heart  was  heavy,  and  especially 
when,  soon  after  I  took  my  seat,  a  trap-door  was 
opened  and  a  murderer  was  brought  up  and  seated  by 
my  side  I 

Chief  Justice  Robinson,  made  his  appearance  in 
great  pomp— di-essed  in  the  English  court  style— then 
the  crier,  in  a  shrill  voice,  announced  the  opening  of 
the  court,  and  finished  by  exclaiming,  "  God  save  the 
King !  »    His  lordship  then  called  the  attention  of  the 
jury  to  the  law  of  the  land;    particularly  tv.    that 
portion  relating  to  their  present  duty;  and  the  grand 
jury  presented  me  to  the  court,  for  feloniously  taking 
a  certain  promissory  note  from  the  house  of  Israel 
Lewis.    The  King's  Attorney  had  but  one  witness, 
and  that  was  Lewis.     He  was  called  to  the  stand, 
permitted  to  relate  his  story,  and  retu-e  without  auy 
cross-examination  on  the  part  of  my  Attorney;   but 
that  gentleman  called  up  three  respectable  white  men, 
all  of  whom  swore  that  they  would  not  believe  Israel 
Lewis  under  oath  I     Then  submitted  the  case  to  the 
jury  without  remark  or  comment,  and  the  jury,  with- 
out  leaving  their  seats,  brought  in  a  verdict  of  "not 
GUILTY."    Thus  ended  my  first  and  last  trial  for  theft! 
L 


k  I' 


I 


242       OUR  DIFFICULTIES  WITH  ISRAEL  LEWIS. 

Oh,  how  my  very  soul  revolted  at  the  thought  of 
being  thus  accused;   but  now  that  I  stood  justified 
before  God  and  my  fellow-men,  I  felt  relieved  and 
grateful;  nor  could  I  feel  anything  but  pity  for  Lewis, 
who,  like  Haman,  had  been  so  industriously  engaged 
in  erecting  "a  gallows  fifty  cubits  high"  ibr  me,  but 
found  himself  dangling  upon  it.     He  raved  like  a 
madman,  clutched  the  arm  of  the  Judge  and  demanded 
a  new  trial,  but  he  shook  him  off  with  contempt  and 
indignation,  as  though  he  had  been  a  viper.    In  his 
wild  fury  and  reckless  determination  to  djstroy  my 
character,  he  had  cast  a  foul  stain  upon  his  own,  never 
to  be  effaced.    I  had  felt  bound  to  preserve  my  repu- 
tation when  unjustly  assailed,  but  it  haa  been  to  me  a 
painful  necessity  to  throw  a  fellow-being  into  the 
unenviable  and  disgraceful  attitude  '.n  which  Lewis 
now  stood;  and  yet,  he  would  not,  und  did  not  yield 
the  point,  notwithstanding  his  ignominious  defeat. 

He  very  soon  began  to  gather  hi.s  forces  for  another 
attack  upon  me,  and  followed  the  same  direction  for 
his  accusation, — the  land  purchase. 

The  reader  will  recollect  withoat  further  repetition, 
that  as  I  could  purchase  no  land  of  the  Canada  Com- 
pany, because  of  their  indignadon  against  Lewis,  I 
was  glad  to  accept  of  the  contract  he  had  made  with 
Mr.  Ingersoll,  for  lot  number  four  in  the  colony ;  that 
I  paid  the  sum  demanded,  and  took  his  assignment  on 
the  back  of  the  contract,  and  as  we  then  were  on  good 


'«™>8.  it  never  oocorrod  to  „-  Vt,„» 

neoesean,  to  attest  to  tv    /  ^  "'^^^  ^«» 

convict  Jof  fl^e;     ^1^^'  ^^°^  '''^  '^ 
I«wis after sellii/o,;*  '«">embered  that 

land,  and  at  kaat  flv.  i,   Ti      ^  "'^  '"<''«^'  'he 

~t.e4r/rs\-^7---,to 

■"d  then  it  woB  that  he  aaaert 'f     ^         ""' 
P'ove,thatIhadfor.,edtL  """^  ""^"P'"^  *° 

had  no  iust  elahnt^^i:";:::?:-'"'  ^^  'Wore, 

in  thi3,  a.  i,  the  other  2  "  1%"^^  ""'•    ^'" 
--tireM^e.  Ireeovredrtl;!    ""^'"^ 
wa«  only  „y  j^t  dae.    One  wo^d      "'•  ''"°'' 
«  naanj  unsuccessful  attelrto      *'"'  *'"'  ^"^^ 
We  left  me  alone -htf  """  "*'■ ''«  '""dd 

the  ambition  ofa  C .  T  "  "'*^  '*™--  "^^  ''■>d 
P-essed  the  adit Zfof  ''  ".'  '"'""^  •'^'»  -« 
having  been  born  andXd  ",  f  °"'  ''''^'^  <>' 
Alexander  or  Napoleon  ,  '  '^^  '"'«''"'  ^"^«  <» 

With  hi.  deeds'?  d2,^-;  «^<'  'he  world 

"^r  of  what  the  world  otZ'  "'''  "°  ^<'- 

humble,  self-sacrificing    hi;,t  n'^:'  "^"'"^■"' 
dy,  has  far  greater  c.r  1  :;;e^:f;r '"^  ^™- 
Lewis,  failing  in  his  second  att^C  iTT 
had  been  zn  all  his  wicked  coarse  bv ,  f     1  ^        " 

'he  ^.d  garb  Of  a  minuter  oTrCr^S 


244       OUR  DIFFICULTIES  WITH  ISRAEL  LEWIS. 

and  it  became  evident  to  all,  that  he  was  meditating 
some  different  mode  of  warfare.  To  this  concealed 
confederate,  I  must  attach  great  blame,  on  account  of 
the  influence  his  station  and  superior  learning  gave 
him,  not  only  over  Mr.  Lewis,  but  the  colonists  gener- 
allj,  and  which  should  have  been  exerted  for  the  good 
of  all,  in  truth  and  honesty. 


LEWIS. 


as  meditating 
bis  concealed 
n  account  of 
earning  gave 
lonists  gener- 
.  for  the  good 


.. 


OHAPTEE    XXVIH. 


BESPERAnON  OP  A  FDQIOTE  SLATE. 

TKTE   had  as  yet  received  no  ftnds   from  our 
T  »       foreign  agent,  N.  Paul,  and  tl,e  board  of 

managers  had  resolved  to  send  a  man  after  him.  An 
Enghshman  and  a  white  man  named  Nell,  would 
gladly  undertake  the  mission,  leaving  his  wife  and  five 
children  among  the  settlers.  Again  was  I  under  the 
necessity  of  returning  to  New  York,  to  obtain  the 
fund,  required  to  send  out  Mr.  Nell  after  our  agent  in 
•cjngland. 

The  night  before  I  left  home,  I  had  a  singular 
dream  which  I  will  briefly  relate.  I  dreamed  of  jour- 
neying on  a  boat  to  Albany,  and  of  stopping  at  a 
house  to  take  t^.  Several  persons,  I  thought!  were 
at  the  table,  and  as  a  cup  of  tea  was  handed  me  I 
saw  a  woman  slyly  drop  something  into  it.  I  how- 
ever,  drank  the  tea,  and  dreamed  that  it  made  me 
verv  sick. 


;y; 


246  DESPERATION  OF  A  FUGITIVE  SLAVE. 

I  found  it  difficult  to  drive  from  my  mind  the 
unpleasant  impression  this  dream  had  made  upon  it, 
but  finally  succeeded  in  doing  so,  attributing  it  to  the 
many   and  malicious  threatenings   which   had  been 
made  by  Lewis  and  his  associates.     They  had  boldly 
asserted,  that  "  if  I  went  to  the  States,  I  would  never 
return  alive,"  and  several  other  threats  equally  malig- 
nant.  I,  however,  started  with  Mr.  Nell  for  Eochester, 
where  we  made  an  effort  to  raise  money  to  aid  in 
defraying  the  expenses  of  the  voyage,  and  succeeded 
in  collecting  about  a  hundred  dollars.    From  thence 
we  passed  on  to  Albany,  where  we  fell  in  company 
with  a  number  of  Mr.  Paul's  friends,  who  appeared 
to  be  terribly  indignant,  and  accused  me  of  coming 
there  to  expose  their  friends,— Paul  and  Lewis.    We 
had  some  warm  words  and  unpleasant  conversation, 
after  which  they  left  me  very  unceremoniously,  and 
appeared  to  be  very  angry.  A  short  time  after,  one  of 
them  returned,  and  in  the  most  friendly  manner  in- 
vited me  to  his  house  to  tea.    I  was  glad  of  an  oppor- 
tunity to  show  that  I  harbored  no  unpleasant  feelings 
toward    them,    and   immediately  accompanied   him 
home.    The  moment  that  we  were  all  seated  at  the 
table,  an  unpleasant  suspicion  flashed  through  my 
mind.    The  table,  the  company— all  seemed  familiar 
to  me,  and  connected  with  some  unpleasant  occurrence 
which  I  could  not  then  recall.    But  when  the  lady  of 
the  house  poured  out  a  cup  of  tea,  and  another  was 


LAVE. 

my  mind  the 
made  upon  it, 
citing  it  to  the 
ch  had  been 
y  had  boldly 
'.  would  never 
qually  malig- 
hv  Rochester, 
ey  to  aid  in 
lid  succeeded 
From  thence 
in  company 
'ho  appeared 
le  of  coming 
Lewis.    We 
conversation, 
)niously,  and 
after,  one  of 
'■  manner  in- 
of  an  oppor- 
sant  feelings 
panied   him 
eated  at  the 
through  my 
aed  familiar 
t  occurrence 
the  lady  of 
another  was 


DEATH  PBEPEBBED  TO  8WVEBT.  247 

about  to  paaa  i^  I  heard  her  whisper,  "I  intended  that 
for  Mr  Steward,"  my  dream  for  the  first  time,  flashed 
through  my  mind,  with  all  the  vivid  dutinctness  of  a 
real  mcdent  I  endeavored  to  drive  it  from  my 
thoughH  and  did  so.  Pshaw  I  I  saia  to  myself-  I 
wall  not  be  suspicious  nor  whimsical,  and  I  swallowed 
the  tea;  then  took  my  leave  for  the  steamboat,  on  our 
way  to  New  York  city. 

,1,  T?  J'  """^  ^^'^  "  ^'"^  "^^'^  ""t  of  Albanv, 
the  boat  hove  to,  and  there  came  on  board  four  men- 
one  of  the  number  a  colored  man.    The  white  men 

ITl  T"':  ''"'""°'"^'  '<"'"°S  the  colored  man 
on  d  cic,  after  the  boat  had  returned  to  the  channel. 

He  attracted  my  attention,  by  h,s  dejected  appearance 
and  apparent  hopeless  despair.     He  was,  I  judged 
about  forty  years  of  age,  his  clothing  coarse  and  ^J 
ragged,   and  the  most  friendless,  sorrowful  looking 
being  I  ever  saw.    He  spake  to  no  one,  but  silently 
paced  the  deck,   his  breast  heaving  with  inaudible 
sighs,  h,s  brow  contracted  with  a  most  terrible  frown- 
his  eyes  dreamily  fastened  on  the  floor,  and  he  aJ. 
p^ed  to  be  considering  on  some  hopeless  undertaking. 
I  watched  h,m  attentively,  as  I  walked  ,„  and  fro  on 
the  same  deck,  and  could  clearly  discover  that  some 
fearful  confl.ct  was  taking  ,,Iace  in  his  mind,  but  as  I 
afterwards  repassed  him  he  looked  up  with  a  happy 
patient  smde,  that  lighted  up  his  whole  countenance' 
JO  „n.y  p.auiij,  i  see  a  way  of  escape, 


ii  I 


248  DESPERATION  OF  A  FUGITIVE  SLAVE. 

and  have  decided  on  my  course  of  action.  His  whole 
appearance  was  changed;  his  heart  that  before  had 
beat  so  wildly  was  quiet  now  as  the  broad  bosom  of 
the  Hudson,  and  he  gazed  after  me  with  a  look  of 
calm  deliberation,  indicative  of  a  settled,  but  desperate 
purpose.  I  walked  hastily  forward  nud  turned 
around,  when,  Oh,  my  God  I  what  a  sight  was  there  I 
Holding  still  the  dripping  knife,  with  which  he 
had.  cut  his  throat  I  and  while  his  life-blood  oozed 
from  the  gaping  wound  and  flowed  over  his  tattered 
garments  to  the  deck,  the  same  exultant  smile  beamed 
on  his  ghastly  features  I 

The  history  of  the  poor,  dejected  creature  was  now 
revealed:  he  had  escaped  from  his  cruel  task-master 
in  Maryland;  but  in  the  midst  of  his  security  and 
delightful  enjoyment,  he  had  been  overtaken., by  the 
human  blood-hound,  and  returned  to  his  avaricious 
and  tyrannical  master,  now  conducting  him  back  to  a 
life  of  Slavery,  to  which  he  rightly  thought  death  was 
far  preferable. 

The  horrors  of  slave  life,  which  he  had  so  long 
endured,  arose  in  all  their  hideous  deformity  in  his 
mind,  hence  the  conflict  of  feehng  which  I  had 
observed,— and  hence  the  change  in  his  whole  appear- 
ance,  when  he  had  resolved  to  endure  a  momentary 
pain,  and  escape  a  life-long  scene  of  unrequited  toil 
and  degradation. 
There  happened  to  be  on  the  boat  at  the  time,  several 


SLAVE. 

5n.  His  whole 
lat  before  had 
road  bosom  of 
rith.  a  look  of 
1,  but  desperate 
I  aud  turned 
ght  was  there  1 
ith  which  ho 
fe-blood  oozed 
er  his  tattered 
i  smile  beamed 

xture  was  now 
el  task-master 
I  seoiaritj  and 
rtakpn..by  the 
his  avtoicious 
bim  back  to  a 
ght  death  was 

had  so  long 
Drmity  in  his 
rhich  I  had 
Nhole  appear- 
a  momentary 
irequited  toil 

i  time,  several 


1 


.:- lf:i;:SSJXKrif;»ri;^;^^.SKi'?"  •  '^-^ 


as 
P.  2^8. 


VISIT  STEW  TOEK  OITr. 


249 


companies  of  citizen  soldiers,  who,  shocked  by  the  awful 
spectacle,  expressed  their  decided  abhorrence  of  the  in- 
stituuon  of  Slavery,  declaring  that  it  was  not  for  such 
peculiar  villainy,  that  their  fathers  fought  and  bled  on 
the  battle  field.    So  determined  were  they  in  their 
md,g„ation;  so  loudly  demanded  they  a  cessation  of 
such  occurrences  on  board  our  boats,  and  the  soil  of 
a  free  State,   that  the  slaveholders  became  greatly 
^larmed,  and  with  all  possible  dispatch  they  hurriedly 
dragged  the  poor  bleeding  slave  into  a  closet,  and 
securely  locked  the  door;  nor  have  I  ever  been  able 
to  learn  his  final  doom.    Whether  the  kindly  mcssen- 
gcr  of  death  released  him  from  the  clutches  of  the 
man-stealer,  or  whether  he  recovered  to  serve  his 
brutal  master,  I  have  never  been  informed. 

After  this  exciting  scene  had  passed,  I  began  to 
rea.,zo  that  I  was  feeling  quite  ill;  an  unusual  load 
seemed  to  oppress  my  stomach,  and  by  the  time  we 
had  reached  New  York  city,  I  was  exceedingly  dis- 
tressed     I  hastened  to  a  boarding  house,  kept  by  a 
cdored  woman,  who  did  everything  in  her  power  to 
relieve  me;   but  I  grew  worse  until  I  thought  in 
scanty  I  must  die.    The  lady  supposed  I  was  dying 
of  cholera,   sent  to  Brooklyn  after  Mr.  Nell;    but 
havmg  previously  administered  an  emetic,  I  began  to 
eel  better;    and  whan  I  had  finally  emptied  my 
stomach  of  ,ta  contente,  fea  and  all,  by  vomiting,  I  felV 

into  a  profound  sl^Pn   fro»«  vrh--^  -r 

r»  -f^''"  17111^11  X  awoRo  greatly 


i';!l 


i       "1 

I    n 

i  -t  t- 


250  DESPERATION  OF  A  FUGITIVE  SLAVE. 

relieved.  The  kindness  of  that  lady  I  shall  not  soon 
forget.  She  had  a  house  full  of  boarders,  who  would 
have  fled  instantly,  had  they  known  that,  as  she  sup- 
posed,  I  was  suffering  from  cholera;  and  instead  of 
sending  me  to  the  hospital,  as  she  might  have  done, 
she  kept  all  quiet  until  it  was  over,  doing  ail  she  could 
for  my  relief  and  comfort;  yet,  it  was  a  scene  of 
distress  which  I  hope  may  never  be  repeated. 

Qn  the  following  morning,  I  saw  in  the  city  papers, 
"A  Card,"  inserted  by  the  owner  of  the  poor  slave 
on  board  the  steamboat,  informing  the  public  that  he 
was  returning  South  with  a  fugitive  slave,  who,  when 
arrested,  evinced  great  willingness  to  return ;  who  had 
confessed  also,  that  he  had  done  very  wrong  in  leaving 
liis  master,  for  which  he  was  sorry,-— but  he  supposed 
that  the  abolitionists  had  been  tampering  with  him. 
That  was  all !     Not  a  word  about  his  attempt  to  take 
his  life  I    Oh  no,  he  merely  wished  to  allay  the  excite- 
ment,  that  the  horrid  deed  had  produced  on  the  minds 
of  those  preF'nt. 

I  was  indignant  at  the  publication  of  such  a  de- 
liberate  falsehood,  and  immediately  wrote  and  publish- 
ed that  I  too  was  on  board  the  same  boat  with  the 
fugitive;  that  I  had  witnessed  an  exhibition  of  his 
willingness  to  retujrn  to  Slavery,  by  seeing  him  cut  his 
throat,  and  lay  on  the  deck  wallowing  in  his  blood; 
that  the  scene  had  so  excited  the  sympathies  of  the 
soldiers  present,  that  his  owner  had  been  obliged  to 
liurry  him  out  of  their  sight,  &c. 


I 


3LAVE. 

shall  not  soon 
srs,  who  would 
lat,  as  she  sud- 
md  instead  of 
jht  have  done, 
g  all  she  could 
as  a  scene  of 
5ated. 

le  city  papers, 
he  poor  slave 
)ublic  that  he 
'e,  who,  when 
irn;  who  had 
mg  in  leaving 
i  he  supposed 
ig  with  him. 
empt  to  take 
ij  the  excite- 
on  the  minds 

f  such  a  de- 
and  publish- 
»oat  with  the 
bition  of  his 
J  him  cut  his 
1  his  blood; 
athies  of  the 
a  obliged  to 


h/ 


SaW)  A.  SECOND  iffiSSJlNSER  T',  3TOI.AND.     251 

men  this  statement  appeared  in  the  newspapers,  it 
so  exiu-perated  the  friends  of  the  slaveholder,  that  I 
was  advised  to  flee  from  ,    :  city,  lest  I  might  be 
visited  with  personal  violence;    but  I  assured  my 
advisers  that  it  was  only  the  wictcd  who  "  flee  wher, 
no  man  pursueth,  but  the  righteous  are  bold  as  a  lion.- 
I  therefore  commenoed  the  b.«iness  that  brought  me 
to  that  city.     Mes„rs.  Eloss,  Nell,  and  myself,  made  a. 
effort,  and  raised  between  three  and  four  hundred 
dolkrs  for  the  purpose  of  sending  Mr.  Nell  alter  Eev. 

Most  of  the  funds  collected,  we  gave  to  Mr.  Nell 
who  sailed  from  New  York,  and  airived  safely  in 
England,  just  as  N.  Paul  was  boarding  a  veJl  to 
return  to  New  York. 

Had  Mr.  Nell  acted  hononbly,  or  in  accordance 
with  his  instructions,  he  would  ha.e  returned  with 
the  agent;  but  he  remained  in  England,  and  for  aught 
I  know  IS  there  yet.    He  was  sent  expressly  after  Mr. 
Paul,  and  when  he  left  that  kingdom,  Nell's  mission 
was  ended.     He  proved  himself  less  worthy  of  eonfi. 
dence  than  the  agent,  for  he  did  return  when  sent  for, 
and  he  did  account  for  the  money  he  had  coUeeted 
though  he  retained  it  all;  but  Mr.  Nell  accounted  fo; 
nothing  of  the  kind;  and  if  he  has  ever  returned  I 
have  not  seen  him.    Mr.  N  Paul  arrived  in  N  w 
York  in  the  fall  of  1834,  and  remained  the,^  through 

the  winter,  to  thfi  area*  /^i- -•--  - 

-  -  oi«Hv  aioai/jpuiuiraent  and  vexation 


262 


DESPERATION    OP  A  FUGITIVE   SLAVE. 


of  the  colonists.  I  wrote  him  concerning  our  condition 
and  wants,  hoping  it  would  induce  him  to  visit  us 
immediately;  but  he  had  married  while  in  England, 
an  English  lady,  who  had  accompanied  him  to  New 
York,  where  they  were  now  living;  nor  did  he 
appear  to  be  in  any  haste  about  giving  an  account  of 
himself  to  the  board  of  managers  who  had  employed 
him. 


f» 


3LAVE. 

J  our  condition 
im  to  visit  us 
3  in  England, 
Mm  to  New 
nor  did  he 
an  account  of 
aad  employed 


CHAPTEE    XXIX. 


A  NABROW  ESCAPE  I EOM  MY  ENEMIES. 

TVURITO  my  absence  in  New  York  city,  Lewia 
-Ly     and  his  confederates  were  prophesying  that  I 
v^ould  never  trouble  them  more,  and  shaking  their 
^eads  quite  ominously  at  the  happy  riddance.    One 
day,  our  hired  man  entered  the  house  and  inquired 
of  my  wife,  when  I  was  expected  home.    She  ^M 
him  she  did  not  know,  having  received  no  intelligence 
from  me     He  assured  her  that  a  letter  had  been 
received  by  .ome  one  in  the  colony;    that  he  hud 
seen  it,  and  had  heard  Mr.  Uw^  speak  of  conveying 
It  to  her,-but  as  it  did  not  come,  she  gave  i.  .p,  snZ 
posing  some  mistake  had  been  made.    I  had,  however 
wntten   naming  the  time  when  she  might  expect  me;' 
but  no  letter  of  mine  reached  her,  during  my  long  ab- 
sence, for  which  she  could  not  account.    A  short  time 
before  that  specified  for  my  return,  a  w.man,  whose 

nusband  was  an  aasnmnf^  .^e  tit-  t _•_ 

-^  ^^'  -«-icvviB,  came  to  my 


264       A  NAEKOW  ESCAPE  PROM  MY  IPNEMIES. 

house,  and  urged  my  wife  "to  leave  word  jJ;  the 
village  of  London,  to  have  Mr,  Steward  detained 
there,  should  he  arrive  toward  evening,  and  by  no 
means  allow  him  to  start  for  the  coloify  niter  dark." 
My  fiimily  had  so  often  been  alarmed  by  such  \yam« 
inggj  nnd  had  'so  frequently  been  annoyed  by  the 
violent  thre^ileinnga  of  Lewis,  that  they  ceased  to 
rc/;^ard  then,,  and  paid  little  attention  to  this  one. 

I  axrived  at  London  on  the  day  I  had  appointed  for 
my  return,  but  was  detained  there  until  a  Lite  hour ; 
fooling  anxious,  however,  to  get  home  that  night, 
supposing  that  I  was  expected,— I  therefore  hired  a 
horse  to  ride  tho  remaining  fifteen  miles  to  the  settle- 
ment. 

The  road  from  London  to  Wilberforce  led  through 
a  swamp,  known  as  "McConnell's  Dismal  Swamp," 
and  it  was  indeed,  one  of  the  most  dreary  places  in  all 
that  section  of  country.  I  am  certain  that  a  hundred 
men  might  conceal  themselves  within  a  rod  of  the 
liighway,  without  being  discovered. 

The  horse  I  had  engaged,  was  a  high  spirited 
animal,  and  to  that  fact,  I  doubtless  owe  my  life.  The 
moon  shone  brightly,  and  nothing  broke  th:  "illness 
of  the  night,  as  I  rode  onward,  but  the  clat; .  f  my 
horse's  hoofs,     J.  an  occasional  "bow-  of  some 

faithful  watcl:-u^j3. 

When  I  reached  the  swamp  and  entered  its  dfltkened 
recesses,  the  gloom  and  stillness  was  indeec      .irfulj 


I 


:-'■.■*,'-.»■>  1 


word  ;,t  the 
/•ard  detained 
^,  and  by  no 
y  niter  dark." 
yj  such  wam- 
Loyed  by  the 
Ley  ceased  to 
this  one. 
ap]>ointed  for 

a  sate  hour; 
)  i/hat  night, 
eibre  hired  a 

to  the  settle- 

!  led  through 
nal  Swamp," 
T  places  in  all 
at  a  hundred 
a  rod  of  the 

ligh  spirited 
my  life.  The 
I  th:  '■Illness 


!latv,  , 


my 


o/t    ^f  some 

its  iarkened 
[eec     .irful; 


WAY-LAID,  WHILE  BETURNING  HOME.         255 

brush,  untd  I  attempted  to  pass  a  dense  thicket,  when 

bulle   whizzed  past  me,  close  to  my  earl    The  fright- 
ened horse  reared  and  plunged,  an/then  springtg  I 

on  of  ?  \  ""^  '"^^  ^^  ^^^^^'  amid  the  ex;io. 

ion  of  fire  arms  discharged  at  me  as  I  rode  away     I 

ost  my  balance  at  first,  and  came  near  falling,  but 

fie  y  teed  flew  over  the  ground  with  lightning  speed ; 
nor  did  I  succeed  in  controlling  him  until  he  had  run 
two  miles  which  brought  me  to  my  own  door. 

I  found  my  family  well,  and  very  grateful  that  I 
I-d  amved  safely  after  so  fearful  an  encounter. 

When  morning  came  I  sent  a  person  out  to  inquire 
whether  any  of  the  settlers  were  out  the  night  pre- 
2^'  and  the  report  was,  ^^srael  Lewis  fnd  L 

near  tbe  Dismal  Swamp,-  moreover,  Lewis  was  seen 
o  come  m  that  morning  with  his  boots  covered  with 

lor  him  all  of  which  was  evidence  that  he  it  was 
who  had  way-laid  me  with  criminal  intent 

I  afterwards  learned,  that  those  three  men  left  the 
ettlement  at  dusk,  for  the  swamp ;  that  they  stationed 
themselves  one  rod  apart,  all  on  one  side  of  the  road 
each  m      with  a  loaded  rifle.^the  poorest  marksma^: 
was  to  fire  first,  and  if  he  did  not  bring  me  down 


Ti.V*-S->1 


256 


A  NARROW  ESCAPE  PROM  MY  ENEMIES. 


probably  the  second  would;  but  Lewis  being  the 
best  shot  of  the  three,  was  to  reserve  his  fire  until 
the  last,  which  they  supposed  I  could  not  escape.  It 
was  quite  dark  in  the  thicket,  and  my  spirited  horse 
plunged  in  every  direction  so  furiously,  that  they 
could  take  no  aim  at  me,  until  he  had  started  to  run, 
when  we  were  soon  beyond  their  reach. 

We  had  already  had  so  much  difficulty  in  our  little 
colony  that  we  were  getting  heartily  sick  of  it.  I  was 
well  aware  that  Lewis  was  thirsting  for  revenge ;  that 
he  wished  to  do  me  a  great  wrong;  and  yet  I  was 
thankful  on  his  account,  as  well  aa  on  my  own,  that 
he  had  been  prevented  from  imbruing  his  hands  in 
the  blood  of  a  fellow  being. 

Had  he  succeeded  in  taking  my  life,  aa  he  undoubt- 
edly intended  to  do,  he  would  have  been  arrested 
immediately,  and  most  likely  punished  as  a  murderer. 
He  had  boldly  threatened  my  life,  and  the  colonists 
were  expecting  something  of  the  kind  to  take  place. 
Had  I  not  arrived  at  the  colony,  it  was  known  at 
London  that  I  had  started  for  the  settlement  that 
night,  and  an  immediate  search  would  have  been  insti- 
tuted; nor  could  the  wicked  deed  have  brought  the 
least  peace  to  the  mind  of  Lewis  or  his  companionfl. 

"  No  peace  of  mind  docs  that  man  know. 

Who  bears  a  guilty  breast  ; 
His  conscience  drives  him  to  and  fit). 

And  never  lets  him  rest." 


EMIE3. 


LS  being  the 
lis  fire  until 
't  escape.  It 
pirited  horse 
fi  that  they 
wted  to  run, 

in  our  little 
of  it.  I  waa 
venge;  that 
i  yet  I  was 
ly  own,  that 
is  hands  in 

le  undoubt- 
!en  arrested 
a  murderer, 
le  colonists 
take  place. 

known  at 
3ment  that 

been  insti- 
rought  the 
ipaniona 


CHAPTER    XXX. 


DEATH  OF  B.  PAUL,  AND  RETURN  OF  HIS  BROTHER. 

mHE  bold  and  wicked  attempt  to  take  my  life 
-i     recorded  in  the  preceding  chapter,  aroused  a 
feeling    of  mdignation    in    the    community  against 
Lewis,  and  completely  destroyed  the  little  influence  he 
had  left;  moreover,  he  had  now  been  so  extensively 
published  us  an  impostor,  that  he  could  collect  no 
more  money  on  the  false  pretense  of  raising  it  for  the 
benefit  of  the  colony.     As  soon  as  his  money  wa. 
gone  and  his  influence  destroyed,-niany  who  had  beer 
his  firmest  friends,  turned  against  him,  and  among  this 
class  was  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Paul.    Ee  had  ever  pro- 
fessed  the  greatest  friendship  for,  and  interest  in  the 
success  of  .Mv  Lewis.    Heretofore,  whenever  he  went 
to  the  bta. .,  .e  was  commissioned  by  that  gentleman's 
family,  to  purchase  a  long  list  of  expensive  articles, 
which  the  poor  colonists  were  seldom  able  to  buv- 
and  he  g.  orally  returned  to  them  nchly  laden  with 


■  (i!    :• 


'^  3 


258 


DEATH  OF  BENJAMIN  PAUL. 


goods,  purohased  with  money  given  to  tlie  poor,  side, 
and  destitute  in  the  colonr, 

Mr.  B.  Paul  had  ever  been  a  very  prDud  man,  but 
not  a  very  healthy  one.  He  was  inclined  to  pulmo- 
nriry  diseases;  but  had  kept  up  pretty  well,  until  Lewis 
v/ns  effectually  put  down,  and  his  own  character 
involved  in  many  of  his  notorious  proceedings,  to- 
gether with  the  disappointment  occasioned  by  his 
brother  remaining  so  long  in  England,  when  his 
health  failed,  and  he  sank  r.pidly  under  accumulating 
disasters,  to  the  grave. 

The  Welshmen  had  pa-tially  engaged  him  to  preach 
for  them  the  ensuing  year,  but  something  they  had 
heard  of  him  changed  their  minds,  and  they  were  about 
appointing  a  meeting  to  investigate  his  conduct,  when 
they  were  informed  of  his    llness,  and  concluded  to 
let  it  pass.      lis  son,  witii  whom  he  lived,  became 
deranged,  and  his  oldest  daughter  on  whom  he  was 
greatly  depenc^  .at,  had  been   dismissec.  from  school, 
where  she  liad  been  for  some  time  engaged  i^  teach, 
ing.     All  these  unpleasant  circ  amstances  in  his  sickly 
state  weighed  heavily  u,       h-  ■  proud  heart;   and  he 
not  only  declined  in  hc;  th,  ..  t  sank  into  n  state  of 
melancholy  and  remorse  for  his  past  course  u.  living. 
As  he  lay  pining  and  murmuring  on  his  death  beu,  I 
could  but  reflect  how  diflferent  the  scene  from  that  of 
Jan  apostle  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  could  exclaim, 
when  about  to  be  offered,  "I  have  fought  a  good  fight,' 


.UL. 

3  tlie  poor,  sick, 

prDud  man,  hut 
jlined  to  pulmo- 
tvel],  until  Lewis 
own  character 
proceedings,  to- 
asioned  hy  his 
land,  when  his 
er  accumula^^'ng 

d  him  to  preach 
thing  they  had 
they  were  about 
I  conduct,  when 
d  concluded  to 
lived,  became 
whom  he  was 
L  from  school, 
^aged  lA  teacji- 
GS  in  his  sickly 
heart;   and  he 
into  a  State  of 
»urse  oi  living. 
is  death  beu,  I 
e  from  that  of 
could  exclaim, 
t  a  good  fight, 


DEATH-BED  SCENE. 


259 


sunken  eyes  gl«a„i„g  ,,-,,,^,  „„      ^^^  ^  J^^ 
upon  hia  f^  r    ';  ^"'"  -^"P^  "^  pe..piratJstood 

time  »d  r  :i  r  """'^'^  ■--'»=-  '-'^  --?-* 

hi  tt^T    '"T;  *™'"«  '"'^  "^'"  ^  *^l  -'  -  despise 
and'  nffl   .  ''  °°'  ^-"^  '^  ^-  ''™  i"  his  sorrow 

and  mJT;    ^^''^™"^'  '"'— -  -'-  he  ravel 

.    ^ons  from  h,s  room  except  his  attendants. 

£thv  t^f  "  ^  "'"'"'^*  ^  ""^  '-'.  «^^  te  had  a 

known  tit  f  "t  '""'"'"'"'■  ''•'^■^  ''^  --'  hare 
known  that  h.  whole  p„.,sessions  would  not  .mou,., 
CO  Halt  that  toum      Aq   r  i^^i    j  , 

but  Inflect  on  The  tlf  "^""  ''™  ^  '""''* 

Before  m.  1  "J^tenous  ways  of  Providenee. 

self  !  '  *  '"""•  "''°  ^'"l  *>^  y^""-  -rayed  him- 

self  agamst  me,  usin?  all  hw  infl„ 

minister  M  "   '  influence  as  a  man  and  a 

w~:r;':i;---^7-o-rdinhis 

- -beyond  their:::-— :^^ 
an?p  rplelT  """"""  '"^"'"•^'  »^"  ^ar^^ed 

'^  ^  WuuiQ  not  join  hands 


tf^ 


260 


PKATH  OF  BENJAMIN  PAUL. 


with  iniquity,  and  deeds  of  darkness.  Notwithstanding 
the  contrast,  when  I  heard  his  bitter  lamentations  and 
self-reproaches,   I    could    lift  my  heart  to   God,  in 
gratitude  for  His  protecting   goodness,   which    had 
preserved  me  an  honest  man.    I  had  often  erred  no 
doubt,  but  it  had  never  been  designedly ;  and  never 
did  I  value  a  good  conscience  more  than  when  stand- 
ing by  the  death-bod  of  Benjamin  Paul,  who  now  had 
passed  the  Jordan  of  death;  and  it  ia  enough  to  know 
that  his  future,  whether  of  joy  or  woe,  will  be  meted 
out  to  him,  by  a  merciful  and  just  God,— neverthek  ss, 
his  last  moments  on   earth  were  such  as  ought  lo 
arouse  every  professed  christian,  to  redoubled  diligence 
in  watchfulness  and  prayer,  lest  they  fall  into  tempta- 
tion,—lest  they  determine  to  become  rich,  and  thereby 
fall  into  diverse  and  hurtful  lusts,  and  pierce  them- 
selves through  with  many  sorrows. 

Soon  aft^r  the  event  above  narrated,  a  law  was 
passed  in  the  Province,  allowing  each  township  to 
elect  three  commissioners,  whose  duty  it  should  be,  to 
transact  the  public  business  pertaining  to  the  township. 
Each  township  should  also  elect  one  township  clerk 
whose  business  it  should  be,  to  hold  and  keep  all 
moneys,  books,  and  papers  belonging  to  said  town- 
with  power  to  administer  oaths,  and  in  fact,  he  with 
the  commissioners,  were  to  constitute  a  board,  possess- 
ing all  the  power  of  a  court,  in  relation  to  township 
business. 


otwithstancli  ug 
nentations  and 
ft  to  God,  in 
3,  which  had 
)ften  erred  no 
ly;  and  never 
n  when  stand- 

who  now  had 
ough  to  know 
will  be  meted 
-nevertheless, 

as  ought  10 
bled  diligence 
1  into  tempta- 
1,  and  thereby 

pierce  them- 

i,  a  law  was 
township  to 
should  be,  to 
the  township, 
wnship  clerk, 
and  keep  all 
)  said  town; 
fact,  he,  with 
3ard,  possess- 
to  township 


»* 


ELECTED  TOWNSHIP  CLKRK.  261 

In  our  colony,  located  in  the  towndup  of  BMuInh 
'   "  o«  own  settlement,  and  therefore,  three  black 

twr  lr  "t  '='"""'  ^'^  ^"'-^^  -  '•>»  ^^ 

wl    TT'/^'^"  ^°"  •'""^'^  =«"«»'.  A.  Steward 
was  elected  township  clerk   with  nil  k  ' 

bfljtr  nf  .1      «  '  ""  *"  fcsponsi. 

bihty  of  the  office  resting  upon  him  and  the  same 

HrBr"  'm  -"^  *''"^''  ""^  ^^^  '-°  '"•™  'n 
whte  r.  "'''*^''  '''""''''""'-  ^'th  a  face  as 
Tlom       f ""  ™°"    ^  ^^"  *"«  -ponsibility 

assurance  of  entire  confidence,  and  respect  shown  me 

•ne  ,    after  all  the  accusations  of  theft,  forgery  &e 
that  vr^ous  pe:.on  could  bring  against  me.   '^'      ' 
The  Re,  Nathaniel  Paul,  with  his  lady,  arrived  at 
Wilbeforee  m  the  spring  of  1835,  to  the  great  joy  of 

way  of  ,u  ,h,  ,^^^_  ^_^_j  ^^  ^^^ 

-  h.  own  premise.,  where  his  affliete'd  family  stm 

regardmg  the  course  our  agent  would  pursue,  and  all 
wmted  w,th  anzious  ezpectaney  to  see  him  enrich  the 
treasury  wth  his  long.promised  collections 

We  had  agreed,  on  sending  him  forth  as  an  agent 
for  the  e.  .ony,  to  give  him  fifty  delta  per  month  for 


■"i^ei 


262 


RETUllN  OF  REV.  NATHAKIEL  PAUL: 


The  reverend  gentleman,  charged,  on  his  return  to 
the  colony,  the  sum  specified,  for  four  years,  three 
months  and  twenty  days.  We  spent  several  days  in 
auditing  his  account,  with  increased  fearful  forebod- 
ings. We  found  his  receipts  to  be,  in  the  United 
Kingdoms  of  Great  Britain,  one  thousand  six  hundred 
and  eighty-three  pounds,  nineteen  shillings;  or,  eight 
thousand  and  fifteen  dollars,  eighty  cent^  His  expen- 
ditures amounted  to  one  thousand  four  hundred  and 
three  pounds,  nineteen  shillings ;  or,  seven  thousand  and 
nineteen  dollars,  eighty  cents.  Then  his  wages  for  over 
four  years,  at  fifty  dollars  per  month,  left  a  balaDce 
against  the  board  of  several  hundred  dollars,  which 
we  had  no  funds  to  cancel,  inasmuch  as  the  revererd 
gentleman  had  paid  us  nothing  of  all  he  had  collected 
in  Europe,  nor  even  paid  a  farthing  toward  liquidating 
the  debts  incurred  for  his  outfit  and  expenses. 

There  was  also  in  Mr.  Paul's  charge  against  the 
board  of  managers,  an  item  of  two  hundred  do'lars, 
which  he  had  paid  to  Wm.  Loyd  Garrison,  while  that 
gentleman  was  also  in  England;  but  by  whose  author- 
ity he  had  paid  or  giVen  it,  it  was  hard  to  determine. 
We  gave  him  no  orders  to  make  donations  of  any 
kind.  To  take  the  liberty  to  do  so,  and  then  to  charge 
it  to  our  poor  and  sufiering  colony,  seemed  hard  to 
bear;  still  we  allowed  the  charge.  Had  we,  in  our 
straitened  and  almost  destitute  circumstances,  made  a 
donation  of  that,  to  us,  large  sum  of  money  to  Mr. 


PAUL. 

1  his  return  to 
IT  years,  three 
everal  days  in 
iarful  forebod- 
in  the  United 
id  six  hundred 
ings;  or,  eight 
r  His  expen- 
■  hundred  and 
a  thousand  and 
wages  for  over 
left  a  balaDce 
dollars,  which 
3  the  revererd 
)  had  collected 
ird  liquidating 
>enses. 

je  against  the 
ndred  do'lars, 
!on,  while  that 
whose  author* 
.  to  determine, 
ations  of  any 
then  to  charge 
lemed  hard  to 
ad  we,  in  our 
tances,  made  a 
money  to  Mr. 


NO  AID  RECEIVED  FROM  PAUL'S  LABORS       263 

Gamson  or  any  body  else,  certainly  we  should,  at 
lea^t,  have  had  the  credit  of  it;  and  as  Mr.  Garrison 
had  made  no  acknowledgment  of  the  receipt,  I  wrote 
liim  on  the  subject,  and  his  answer  will  be  found, 
heading  our  correspondence,  in  this  volume. 

Not  a  dollar  did  the  treasurer  ever  receive  of  the 
itev.  N.  Paul,  unless  we  call  the  donations  he  had 
made  without  our  permission,  a  payment.    He  did,  it 
IS  true,  award  to  the  board,  the  sum  of  two  hundred 
dollars,  paid  by  him  to  Mr.  Garrison,  and  fifty  dollars 
more  given  by  himself  to  Mr.  ^^]\  on  his  departure 
from  England.     Not  a  farthing  could  we  get  of  him ; 
and  in  short,  as  far  as  the  monied  interest  of  the 
colony  was  concerned,  his  mission  proved  an  entire 
Iklure.     How  much  good  the  reverend  gentleman 
may  have  done  in  spreading  anti-slavery  truth,  during 
m  stay  in  Europe,  is  not  for  me  to  say.    The  English, 
at  that  time  held  slaves;  and  report  speaks  well  of  his 
labors  and  endeavors  to  open  the  eyes  of  that  nation 
to  the  sm  of  slavery  and  the  injustice  of  the  coloniza- 
tion scheme.    It  is  said  that  he  continually  addressed 
crowded  and  deeply  interested  audiences,  and  that 
many  after  hearing  him,   firmly  resolved  to  exert 
themselves,  until  every  chain  was  broken  and  every 
bondman  freed  beneath  the  waving  banner  of  the 
British  Lion.    Perhaps  his  arduous  labors  assisted  in 
freeing  the  West  India  islands  of  the  hateful  curse  of 


III 


264  RETURN  OF  REV.  NATHANIEL  PAUL. 

Slavery;  if  so,  we  shall  not  so  mucli  regret  the  losses 
and  severe  tnals,  it  was  ours  to  bear  at  that  time. 

The  indignant  and  disappointed  colonists,  however, 
took  no  such  view  of  his  mission ;  and  knowing  as 
they  did,  that  he  had  paid  not  a  cent  of  cash  into  the 
treasury,   nor  liquidated  one  debt  incurred  on  his 
account,  they  became  excited  well  nigh  to  fury,— so 
much  so,  that  at  one  time  we  found  it  nearly  impos- 
sible  to  restrain  them  from  having  recourse  to  Lynch 
law.     They  thought   that    the  reverend    gentleman 
must  have  large  sums  of  money  at  his  command 
somewhere— judging  from  his  appearance  and  mode 
of  living,  and  that  a  little  wholesome  punishment 
administered  to  his  reverence,  by  grave  Judge  Lynch, 
enthroned  upon  a  "cotton  bale,"  might  possibly  bring 
him  to  terms,  and  induce  him  to  disgorge  some  of  his 
ill-gotten  wealth,  which  he  so  freely  lavished  upon 
himself,  and  was  withholding  from  those  to  whose 
wants  it  had  beni  kindly  contributed. 

Just,  as  was  their  dissatisfaction,  I  was  satisfied  by 
the  examination  of  his  accounts,  that  he  had  spent 
nearly  all  of  the  money  collected  for  us;  his  expenses 
had  been  considerable ;  beside,  he  had  fallen  in  love, 
during  his  stay  in  England,  with  a  white  woman,  &,nd 
1  suppose  it  must  have  required  both  time  and  money 
to  woo  and  win  so  fine  and  fair  an  English  lady,  said 
also  to  possess  quite  a  little  sum  of  money,  that  is, 


IL  PAUL. 

regret  the  losses 
at  that  time. 
)lonists,  however, 
and  knowing  as 
i  of  cash  into  the 
incurred  on  his 
igh  to  fury, — so 
it  nearly  impos- 
3C0urse  to  Lynch 
rend    gentleman 
tt  his   command 
ranee  and  mode 
)me  punishment 
re  Judge  Lynch, 
tit  possibly  bring 
3rge  some  of  his 
'■  lavished  upon 
those  to  whose 

was  satisfied  by 
it  he  had  spent 
is;  his  expenses 
1  fallen  in  love, 
lite  woman,  and 
time  and  money 
iglish  lady,  said 
money,  that  is, 


EXTRAVAGANCE  IN  THE  WOODS. 


265 

everal  thousand  dollarc?  nil  ^f    v  i 
-ffeHng  colon,  Jrj^',:^:if  J"  P"--  ««« 
man's  statemenr  tn  ,i  '"'^'— t^e  reverend  gentle- 

We  ZTTT        """'"'^  notwithstanding. 

turned  to  rki;^:;:  -  *■'^f  on,,  I.en. 
who  was  then  ,>  ""  ■^^  °f  ^-  Paul, 

Be.  B  p!  J       T"'"  "'"'  *"  "''^^  °f  the  latj 
Thf;,        '  '"=  '°"^  ^^''^  ■»"«»  from  .3 

tar  Ind  the  i  ?  *'  ^^'^<=^^  ^"^^'l  -*•>  mor- 
part  wl  t eTllTe";:™*'  °'  '°"'^-  ^^^  '-- 
another  ap  rtme  f  T  ""'  ''""«^  '<'°°''  '"'^  when 
'"g  a  curtain  across  it     inn  ^  uraw- 

residence  of  MrsvZ^  °  ^'  '"'™^  ^"  '^^ 

••nto  the  presen-  o  ir  .r'  """^^--'j  "^hered 
found  in  an rrra  f "  '*'"'"  ^™''  -•"""  ^^ 
carpe^d    n  7n    2  '  "''^  '^  ''''""  ^^'^"^ 

and  attached  to  a  gold  watch  in  her  girdle   her  fi 

"unerwi«:d%"v°"' ^--" -"^ 

yeara  of  age:  and  this  was  thlwT'  f  *"*y 

the  poor  Wi,berfo,.e  ool"  ,        ^  "'  ""  ^^^'"  ^o^ 
M 


266 


RETURN  OF  REV.  NATHANIEL  PAUL. 


tu 


'Wii-k 


N.  Paul  had  now  settled  his  business  with  the 
colonists,  and  being  about  to  leave  for  the  States,  we 
appealed  to  his  honor  as  a  man  and  a  Christian,  to  call 
at  Eochester  and  pay  the  seven  hundred  dollar  bank 
debt,  for  which  he  was  justly  and  legally  holden,  and 
relieve  honorably,  those  kind  gentlemen  who  had 
raised  the  money  for  him.  He  well  knew  the  condi- 
tion of  our  friend  E.  Peck,  and  that  the  names  of 
some  of  our  colored  friends  were  also  attached  to  the 
note ;  all  of  whom  were  relying  implicitly  on  his  or 
our  honor  to  pay  the  obligation.  That  we  had  no  funds 
in  the  treasury  he  was  well  aware;  also,  that  all  were 
deeply  concerned  about  that  debt.  All  this  he  knew ; 
and  in  answer  to  our  earnest  and  repeated  injunction, 
he  promised  most  faithfully  and  solemnly  that  he 
would  call  at  Eochester,  and  take  up  the  note.  On 
those  conditions  he  was  allowed  to  leave  the  colony, 
and  when  parting  with  me,  no  more  to  meet  in  this 
life,  his  last  assurance  was,  that  he  would  cancel  that 
obligation.  What  then  could  we  think  of  his  word, 
when  we  learned  soon  after  that  he  passed  Eochester, 
without  calling,  direct  to  Albany;  nor  did  he  ever 
return,  or  make  any  explanation  of  his  conduct ;  nor 
give  any  reason  why  his  promise  was  not  redeemed 
and  the  money  pi«d.  • 

He  preached  in  Albany  until  his  health  failed,  then 
he  was  obliged  to  live  the  best  way  he  could,  and  at 
last  to  depend  on  charity. 


•?'..#: 


h  PAUL. 

usiness  with  the 
br  the  States,  we 
Christian,  to  call 
Ired  dollar  bank 
^ally  holden,  and 
leraen   who  had 

knew  the  condi- 
it  the  names  of 
)  attached  to  the 
(licitly  on  his  or 
;  we  had  no  funds 
Iso,  that  all  were 
ill  this  he  knew ; 
eated  injunction, 
olenmly  that  he 
ip  the  note.  On 
eave  the  colony, 

to  meet  in  this 
ould  cancel  that 
link  of  his  word, 
»assed  Eochester, 
nor  did  he  ever 
bis  conduct;  nor 
as  not  redeemed 


DOMESTIC  rmus  and  math  of  k.  pa^^.    267 

V.OUS  to  his  death.    I  have  been  told  twT  T    ^"^ 
'^^o  w.  ..  .0.  a  peaeeablTC  ;r  tZZ 
!"  P^^^y-  «>™'  and  affliction,  he  W^d  on  a  , 
fme,  till  death  at  la«t  dosed  the  seen  "  '""^ 


ealth  failed,  then 
he  could,  and  at 


i  II 


CHAPTBK    XXXI. 


MY  FAMILY  RETUEN  TO  ROCHESTER. 


I  WAS  now  seriously  meditating  a  return  to 
Eochester.  My  purpose  in  going  to  Canada,  has 
already  been  made  known  to  the  reader,  as  well  as 
some  of  the  disappointments  I  met,  and  some  of  the 
trials  and  difficalties  I  had  to  encounter. 

jS'ow,  after  laboring,  and  suffering  persecution  for 
about  five  years,  my  way  was  comparatively  clear;  stiU 
I  wished  to  leave  the  Prtvince  and  return  to  the  States, 
in  which  prospect  my  family  greatly  rejoiced.  Doubt- 
less most  persons  in  the  position  I  then  occupied, 
would  have  chosen  to  remain ;  but  for  several  reasons, 
I  did  not. 

Notwithstanding  I  had  been  during  my  youth,  a 
poor,  friendless,  and  illiterate  slave,  I  had,  through  the 
mercy  of  God  and  the  kindness  of  friends,  not  only  ob- 
tained my  freedom,  but  I  had  by  the  industry  and  per- 
severance of  a  few  years,  acquired  a  tolerable  English 


^ 


HAD  A  OOKPETENCY  OK  Liuyixa  ROCHESTER.  269 
entire  independence  """"'"«  "^^'"'  -<i 

J:dir:re:/rrrv^~^^'^-- 

Jand  was  oaid T  ^^"'"'^ter.     My  house  and 

hundred  doila.  in  the  bant^  Si  ^T' 

S  ":;  Lir  *" — -"^^— ; 

y  and  lamjj,  required  no  further  exertion  „„ 
my  part  to  better  our  worldly  condition  rie" 
— ^br^:  r  ^d^T- -  ^-arthZ 

o%been.ecu.to.edfotr„:i":':^::: 

uxunes  of  hfe,  but  also  to  associate  wit^  pelLtf 
refinement  and  cultivation;  and  although  tWhL 
-Umgly  accompanied  me  to  Canada,  wht  they  h^ 
expenenced  little  less  than  care,  tab  r  »d  sljw  ^ 

rrtottr^^;- -- ---e^^Ilia 

cruel  prejudice,  ^hieh  small  minds  with  T  1 

ed^u.tion,.nowsowenhowrwruprr^ 
endeavo..  of  our  oppressed  «.eo.  Y^  ^2  aTd 
justice  to  my  tHeaos,  compel  me  to  say,  th^Ttr' 


rail*    n 


•..,  11 


270 


MY  FAMILY  RETURN"  TO  ROCHESTEil. 


short  acquaintance,  I  have  usually  been  treated  with 
all  that  kindness;  and  confidence,  which  should  exist 
between  man  and  man. 

At  my  house  of  entertainment  in  Canada,  it  was 
not  uncommon  for  gentlemen  of  my  former  acquain- 
tances, to  stop  for  a  friendly  chat;  merchants,  jour- 
neying through  our  settlement,  after  goods,  would 
frequently  call,  with  their  money,  watches,  and  other 
valuables,  carefully  concealed  about  their  persons;  but 
when  they  learned  our  name,  and  had  become  ac- 
quainted a  little,  they  would  not  only  freely  expose 
their  wealth,  but  often  place  all  their  money  and 
valuables  in  my  hands,  for  safe  keeping;  nor  was 
their  confidence  ever  misplaced  to  my  knowledge. 

Another  thing:  when  I  went  to  Wilberforce^  I  sup- 
posed that  the  colonists  would  purchase  the  whole 
township  of  Bidulph,  and  pay  for  it,  which  might 
have  been  done,  had  they  been  fortunate  enough  to 
put  forward  better  men.  Then  when  we  had  a  suffi- 
cient number  of  inhabitants,  we  could  have  sent  a 
member  to  Parliament,  one  of  our  own  race,  to  repre- 
sent the  interests  of  our  colony.  In  all  this  we  were 
disappointed.  The  Cax^ada  Company,  in  their  unjust 
judgment  of  a  whole  people,  by  one  dishonest  man, 
had  stopped  the  sale  of  lands  to  colored  persons,  which 
of  course,  put  an  end  to  the  emigration  of  respectable 
and  intelligent  colored  men  to  that  place;  nor  was 
there  any  prospect  of  a  favorable  change.    Moreover, 


DEPAarUBS  PBOM  WILBEBPOBOE.  271 

the  pemecutions  wUch  gave  rise  to  the  colony,  had  in 
a  great  measure  ceased;  anti-alavery  truth  was  tatiug 
effect  on  the  minds  of  the  people,  and  God  was  raising 
up  many  a  friend  for  the  poor  slave,  to  plead  with 

2::ir ""'  "^"^' ''-  ^-^^ "'  «•« '--'  -^ 

These,  with  other  considerations,  influenced  me  in 
2  :J«;-;ou  to  leave  Canada.  As  soon,  however,  as 
my  mtenfons  were  made  known,  I  was  importu;ed 
on  aU  s.des,  by  pennons  both  in  and  out  of  the  settle- 
ment,  to  remam  awhile  longer,  at  least.  This  will  be 
seen  by  a  reference  to  the  appendix 

Aiter  due  deliberation,  I  concluded  to  send  my 
fern,  y  to  the  States,  and  remain  myself  until  my  year 
hould  termmate,  for  which  I  had  been  elected  town- 
Bh  P  clerk.  In  accordance  with  this  determin.ation,  I 
m^e  preparafon  to  take  my  family  to  Port  Stanl  y, 
forty  mUes  distant.    But  what  a  contrast  was  there  hi 

ween  our  leavmg  Kochester,  five  yea«  before,  and  our 
removmg  from  the  colony  I    Then,  we  had  We  two- 

to.^  wagou  loads  of  goods  and  furniture,  and  seven 

in_&m.ly,-  now,  our  possessions  were  only  a  few 

articles,  ,n  a  one-k^se  «,a,on,  with  an  addition  of  two 

members  to  our  household!    The  settte  collect 

about  us,  to  take  an  affectionate  leave  of  my  I'i  ^ 

cnldren,  but  tears  and  sobs,  pr.ve...d  J nuZl 

lTtr'"'°"'^"^°"'"-'^  •  -likeexpr. 
sions.     The  scene  waa  indeed         '^ 


afit. 


liar  onft*  nil  th- 


272  MY  FAMILY  RETURN  TO  ROCHESTEB. 

weary  days  of  our  labor;  all  the  trials  and  difficulties 
we  had  passed;  all  the  sweet  communion  we  had 
enjoyed  in  our  religious  and  social  meetings;  all  the 
acts  of  neighborly  kindness,  seemed  now  to  be  indel- 
ibly impressed  on  every  memory,  and  we  felt  that  a 
mutual  regard  and  friendship  had  bound  us  closei 
to  each  other,  in  the  endearing  bonds  of  Christian 
brotherhood-bonds  not  to  be  broken  by  the  adverse 
scenes  mcident  to  frail  human  life. 

Arrived  at  Port  Stanley,  we  were  kindly  entertained 
by  a  Mr.  White,  a  fugitive  slave  from  Virginia,  who 
owned  a  snug  little  farm  on  the  bank  of  Kettle  Creek 
and  wlio  appeared  to  be  in  a  good  and  prosperous 
cond;      :      Bemg  detained  there,  waiting  for  a  boat, 
on  wki;-  I  was  anxious  to  see  my  family  comfort- 
ably  situated  before  I  left  them,  I  was  aroused  at  an 
early  hour  on  the  second  morning  of  our  stay,  by  a 
loud  rapping  at  the  door;  and  hearing  myself  inquired 
for,  I  dressed  myself  immediately,  and  followed  Mr. 
White  into  the  sitting  room,  where  I  saw  two  strange 
men,  armed  with  bludgeons  I    I  soon  learned,  how- 
ever, that  one  of  them  was  the  under-sheriff,  who  had 
come  to  arrest  me  for  a  debt  of  about  forty  dollars, 
and  the  other  armed  man  had  come  to  assist  him.    I 
assured  them  I  was  ready  to  accompany  them  back  to 
London,  which  I  was  obliged  to  do,  a  prisoner,  leaving 
my  family  among  comparative  strangers.     The  debt 
had  become  due  to  a  man  who  had  worked  for  us  in 


lOCHESTEB. 

rials  and  difficulties 
)mnuinion  we  had 
.  meetings;  all  the 
1  now  to  be  indel- 
\nd  we  felt  that  a 
1  bound  us  closei 
)onds  of  Christian 
ien  hy  the  adverse 

kindly  entertained 
rom  Virginia,  who 
k.  of  Kettle  Creek, 
d  and  prosperous 
raiting  for  a  boat, 
7  family  comfort- 
was  aroused  at  an 
of  our  stay,  by  a 
ig  myself  inquired 
and  followed  Mr. 
.  saw  two  strange 
on  learned,  how- 
r-sheriff,  who  had 
out  forty  dollars, 
to  assist  him.    I 
my  them  back  to 
prisoner,  leaving 
igers.     The  debt 
w'orked  for  us  in 


CLOSE  UP  BtlSINESa  AT  WILBERPOECE.        273 
«.0  building  of  ,  ,,,.„„,     J 

locaeatei,  after  a  journey  of  three  days.     During 
severe  cold   from  wh.ch  she  never  recovered. 

piarXt  Jo  T:T     ;'T  ""'  '■'^  "*"^' 

Stances  from  T  .  ""'^  '''**'''="'  <='r'='™- 

rances  from  those  m  which  they  had  left  it     T  i,  j 

deposited  quite  a  «„,..     <•  ^  ^""^ 

Bank-  hntT  '^  '""""^  '°  *«  Rochester 

,„       '  .^"'  °"  ~"'"'"^'  o^^Penditures  at  Wilberforce 

-,  had  left  iTone  dirrr"""  "  '''  '''''■ 
;!-%.  or  to  give  mo  t  th  InTV  "^ 
Nevertheless  T  faU     -n-  ^    business. 

who  had  iTo  Z,rV'  "^  "'^'^"""^  »■"» 

drear"  LT.         "'  "'™"S''  «'=™'^^  -J^*  and 
uicar,     bedevmg  he  woiiJf]  n^t  ^       i 

tliis  time  of  need  '''"^'  ^^  ^^^'  ^^ 

Consoling  myself  with  these  reflections,  I  renewed 
my  endeavors  to  do  mv  hp«f  i  ■  .  renewed 
my  God.  -^        '  ''''^'^^  ^^^  ^^«^<^  with  • 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


i.l 


2.8 


JO    lllll^s 


11:25  III  1.4 


M 
1.6 


Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


w 


;^v 


qv 


\\ 


\ 


^ 


(p 

^  .<^^.. 


^  ^-^  «. 


CHAPTER  XXXJI. 


\ 

THE  LAND  AGENT  AND  THE  SQUATTER. 

T  HAVE  named,  I  bdieve,  that  aU  the  colored 
X  people,  Who  purchased  lands  of  Lewis,  could  get 
^o  deed  nor  any  remuneration  for  their  improvements. 
This  they  tliought  hard  and  unfair.  Some  had  built 
a  house  and  barn,  cleared  land,  &c.;  but  when  they 
wished  to  pay  for  their  farms,  they  could  get  no  deed, 
and  were  obliged  to  lose  all  their  labor. 

This  raised  such  a  general  complaint  against  the 
land  agente,  that  they  finally  agreed  to  pay  the  squat- 
ters  for  their  improvement,  if  they  would  leave  their 
farms.    An  opportunity  waa  soon  offered  to  test  their 
smeenty  in  this  agreement,   A  shrewd  fellow,  who 
had  been  many  years  a  sailor,  named  William  Smith 
Jiad  made  valuable  improvements  on  land,  for  which 
he  could  get  no  deed,  and  then  he  wished  to  leave  it 
His  wife,  also,  died  about  this  time,  leaving  him  with 
^ight  children,  which  determined  him  to  leave  the 


XII. 


SgUATTEB. 

'  all  the  colored 
lewis,  could  get 
iir  improvements. 
Some  had  built 
;  but  when  they 
3uld  get  no  deed, 
5r. 

laint  against  the 
to  pay  the  squat- 
'ould  leave  their 
ired  to  test  their 
!wd  fellow,  who 
William  Smith, 
land,  for  which 
hed  to  leave  it 
aving  him  with 
n  to  leave  the 


im  to'it'  ''"^''°^  """"^  ^-  ^-  "Mdren,  to 

-rf;:^rnoTt:-rtr:s:-- 

citol!Jl''^"  '"?  '^7'  "  ""^^^^  'o '"«  -P«'"«d  soli, 
citations,  "yoa  shall  be  paid,  certainlv  f^Jl-  i 

*all  be  paid  eveiy  ftrthL  •-  B^t  "T  '''■  ^"^ 
davM-v^f  .1.  •"™™g-  ■«"' When  the  apponted 
aay  came  for  the  pompous  land  agents  .0  ride  through 

first  on  "7r  "'^'"  "^  '™"'  ''^'■^  •'■"-If ' t 
Z'.nZV'  """''  '"^  ""«  magnanimity  to 

of  his  destitute  and  almost  desperate  condition  wiA 
«gh^o„ng  ehildi^n  to  maintain,  and  no  meZ  Jd 
so,  after  giving  up  to  them  the  farm.    Before  t,h.™ 
-a,  r«,e  their  body  servan,  of  whom  S^L  Z,: 

And  most  blandly  would  he  be  informed  of  some 
particular  W,  when  perhaps,  within  the  nextTn 
myites,   he  lordly  agent  would  fly  past  hi™,  onthd^ 

STCtt '"'"  "^  ^^^^-^ "'  "^  ""^'"''-S  ^^ 

wh  n  d"Tf  t'^rr'^'  ''^""  "-"^  ''^'"''-  One  day, 
ment  iM*'  '""'  T'^  '^^  *>'-'gh  thesettll: 
ment  m  this  manner.  Smith  followed  them  on  fi,  , 
over  fifty  nnles.  Ho  at  last  intercepted  theman™  tlT 

r^^!:l*^-°-----e,  tCoTatT 
—  -^y,  nvt  u^  aiHmii,  fchey  wouJd  certainly  pay  him 


^76 


THE  LAND  AGENT  AND  THE  SQUATTER. 


aU  he  claimed,  if  he  would  meet  them  at  a  certai» 

hotel  in  London.     To  this  he  agreed;  and  the  poor 

fellow  returned  to  the  colony  almost  exhausted. 

His  funds  were  nearly  all  spent,  and  he  wished  to 

take  his  children  to  New  York;  yet  his  only  hope  was 

in  the  integrity  and  honor  of  the  land  agents. 

On  the  day  appointed,  he  was  at  London  long  before 

the  hour  to  meet,  had  arrived.   He  entered  the  village 

with  a  determined  air,  and  saw  the  agents  just  riding 

up  to  a  hotel,— but  not  the  one  they  had  told  him  to 

call  at.    He,  however,  waited  for  no  invitation,  but 

entered  the  hotel  and  inquired  of  the  servant  for  his 

master.    He  said  his  master  was  not  there  I 

"I  know  he  is,    said  Smith,  "  and  I  want  to  see 
him." 

The  servant  withdrew,  but  soon  returned  to  say 
that  his  master  was  engaged  and  could  not  see  him 
ihat  day.    Smith  followed  the  servant  into  the  hall, 
calling  out  to  him  in  the  most  boisterous  manner' 
demanding  to  be  told  the  reason  why  he  could  not  see 
his  master.    The  noise  which  Smith  purposely  made 
soon  brought  into  the  hall  one  of  the  agente,  a  Mr! 
Longworth,  a  short,  fat  man,-weighing  in  the  neigh- 
borhood of  three  hundred  pounds  I    When  he  saw 
Smith,  he  strutted  about,  assuring  him  that  this  dis- 
graceful uproar  was  quite  uncalled  for,  and  finally 
putting  on  a  severe  look,  told  him  that  he  could  not 
iiiave  anything  for  his  improvements;  of  courae  not— 


'  SQUATTER. 

them  at  a  certai» 
3ed;  and  the  poor 
t  exhausted, 
and  he  wished  to 
his  only  hope  was 
id  agents, 
ondon  long  before 
sntered  the  village 
agents  just  riding 
'  had  told  him  to 
to  invitation,  but 
le  servant  for  his 
there  I 
nd  I  want  to  see 

returned  to  say 
uld  not  see  him 
It  into  the  hall, 
sterous  manner 
he  could  not  see 
purposely  made, 
tie  agents,  a  Mr. 
Qg  in  the  neigh- 
When  he  saw 
m  that  this  dis- 
for,  and  finally 
It  he  could  not 
of  course  not — 


NOVEL  WAY  OF  ENFORCING  PAYMENT.         277 

he  really  could  not  expect;  certainly  not,  &c  Smith 
plainly  assured  the  agent  that  his  ''b  Wy "  would  .vS 
^.-noth^^^    ^e  had  come  by  their  ownappoint::: 

nottt^'  '"''  r'  ''^*  '^  "^^^^^^  should  Aa..-if 
not  m  the  way  they  themselves  agreed  upon,  he  would 
choose  his  own  method  of  getting  itf    Thus  savi;. 

Setl''^"  "'^  *'^  '''  Englishman's  "bL 
basket!  He  sprawled  about  and  soon  recovers! 
^-  standing,  but  continued  t.  scra.m  and  hal  o  w  ti 
rage  and  mortification,  more  than  with  pain,  untiH 
tad  brought  to  the  spot  landlord,  boarders  and  ser! 
vante,  to  witness  the  afiray  but  Sn^itl.  .  J 
ed  admiT,,-=f.    1  .  '^'  ^^'  ^^^hmg  daunt- 

£  ht^r  h  1   "  ''"^  "^"  ^^^^^-^  ^-*ts  with 

dollar  Smith  had  at  first  demanded.    Smith  accepted 

the  land  agent  paid  the  squatter.  ^ 

n  seemed,  however,  a  little  too  bad,  to  make  a  fine 

ioghah  gentleman,  feel  as  "flat"  as  tongworth  ap! 

bj  wh,ch  Sm.th  could  reeover  a  farthing.    The  agent, 
'-— '    '■^deeu,  some  very  hard  and  „^j„st 


W   THE  LAND  AGENT  AND  THE  SQUATTER. 

incidents  occurred  in  connection  with  that  matter, 
and  probably  Smith  was  about  the  only  one,  who 
ever  received  the  full  value  of  his  claim. 
^   There  was  committed  about  this  time,  a  most  shock- 
jng  murder,  in  the  London  district.    A  farmer  who 
had  a  respectable  family,  consisting  of  a  wife  and 
several  children,  became  so  addicted  to  the  use  of 
spirituous  liquors,  that  he  neglected  both  his  family 
and  farm  so  much,  that  his  friends  felt  called  upon  to 
request  the  distiller,  who  was  his  near  neighbor,  to 
furnish  him  with  no  more  intoxicating  drink.     This 
so  exasperated  the  poor,  ruined  and  besotted  wretch' 
tiiat  he  raved  like  a  madman-such  as  he  undoubtedly 
was-crazed  and  infuriated,  by  the  contents  of  the 
poisoned  cup  of  liquid  damnation,  held  to  his  lips  by 
a  neighboring  distiller;  a  fellow-being,  who  for  the 
consideration  of  a  few  shillings,  could  see  his  neighboi 
made  a  brute  and  his  family  left  in  destitution  and 
sorrow.    Perhaps,  however,  he  did  not  anticipate  9 
termination  so  fearful;  yet  that  is  but  a  poor  excuse 
for  one  who  lives  by  the  sale  of  rum.     When  a  rum. 
seller  gives  that  to  a  man,  which  he  knows  will  "stea^ 
away  his  brains,"  ana  make  him  a  maniac,  how  can  h* 
anticipate  his  future  conduct?    And  who  is  respon 
sible?    Ah,  who? 

When  Severin  found  he  could  get  no  more  intox 
icatmg  beverage,  he  in  his  demoniacal  rage,  conceived 
the  idea  of  despatehing  his  whole  family,  and  se^ 


3QUATTER. 


FIENDISH  MUBDERS.  27& 

■"Other  came  shrieking  .„  tv  P""  "*  ^'"- 

'Corpse  at  his  feet  I     T».    1?  *  *''<^''"'S 

next  murde  Jtd  Jft  th  -^"""^  ^''"'^"  ""^ 

with  that  of    L  ?       ■"  ""°8""e  *«>^  Wood 

after  the  Elites   V*"''  '^  ""  "^"""^ 
escape  toa  nei^trW  '  ""^  ""'^'*™""S  to 

Jriiled  them  bS  "wtelTr^'  and  overtaMng, 

completed  his  helLTi;  he  s™I^^  r*"' ''^'^ 

^a:t:VesSrhir;:;rr^---^>^ 

Smith,  bellvin.  thatq;  .         '"'"'^'=^-    **"• 

assist  him  which  hZ^       I   ^     "  ^"""^  men  to 

of  slaugr;r  tmo!t ,      '•        °"  ""'""^  "'  ">«  «=«"« 
five  defi  b^  ""^'I'oma  apectacle  was  before  them: 

charr^Tn?^' T  °^  "*««  ^-^^  %-oast^  and 
and  father!    wCf  '       .f  ""°"'^'^'*  '"«''-<l 

dear  iifeT  '  """^  ^  '"'^'"^  angmsh,  "my 

tdtu  d7i~^  "ii"'^^^^'   '  --  ''^''^<i 


joul      Oh,    mv   loot   ^- 


iarniij  j  '    Sec 


280   THE  LAND  AGENl  AND  THE  SQUATTER. 

.  Community  waa  eoon  alarmed;  Severin,  arrested, 
tried,  convicted,  and  sentenced  to  suffer  the  extreme 
penalty  of  the  law. 

It  is  sufficient  for  us  to  say,  that  the  evidence  was 
clear  and  conclusive,  that  he  was  the  only  murderer 
of  his  family;  nor  was  it  doubted  that  Mrs.  Smith's 
suspicion  was  correct;  yet,  with  all  the  array  of  posi- 
tive  testimony  brought  against  him,  he  denied  the 
compiission  of  the  crime  to  the  last  moment  of  his 
.  life  I     When  brought  out  for  execution,  he  was  placed 
under  the  gallows,  and  the  rope  with  its  fatal  noose 
adjusted  around  his  neck,  when  one  of  the  attorneys 
arose,  and  with  great  solemnity,  addressed  him,  in  the 
most  impressive  manner:  "We  have  done,"  said  he, 
"all  in  our  power  to  save  your  life;  but  you  are  justly 
condemned,  and  in  a  few  mmutes  more,  will  enter  the 
presence  of  the  All-seeing  eye  of  Jehovah ;  now  let 
me  beseech  you,  in  the  name  of  God,  to  tell  the  truth, 
before  you  die."    Severin  declared  himself  innocent 
of  the  crime,  for  which  he  was  about  to  suffer;  but 
was  consoled,  he  said,  with  the  belief  that  he  should, 
'n  a  few  short  moments,  meet  in  blissful  re-union  hil 
u«>ar,  murdered  wife  and  children  in  heaven,  to  part 
no  more  I   Prayers  were  read;  and  during  the  reading 
of  the  Lord's  prayer,  at  the  words  "  Thy  will  be  done," 
the  hardened  wretch  was  launched  into  eternity. 

No  room  was  left  to  doubt  the  fact,  that  Severin 
with  his  own  hand  destroyed  the  life  of  his  unhappy 


SQUATTER. 


EXECUTION  OP  THE  MURDERER. 


281 


and  abused  wife,  and  also  that  of  his  helpless  family. 
^  Yet  in  one  sense,  may  we  say  with  the  murderer,  it 
•was  not  he  who  committed  the  awful  and  inhuman 
deed,  but  boldly  and  truthfully  charge  it  to  man's 
bitterest  foe— Rum  I  What  but  the  maddening  effects 
of  spirituous  liquors,  could  so  demoralize,  so  demonize 
a  man,  as  to  convert  the  once  loving  husband  and 
pfoud  father,  into  a  reckless  fiend,  a  heartless  savage? 
Oh,  Rum  1  earth  contains  not  another  so  fell  a  foe  I 

Should  any  who  may  read  these  humble  pages,  find 
an  effectual  warning  in  the  unhappy  end  of  Severin, 
one  which  shall  induce  them  to  pause  in  their  course,' 
or  at  once  and  forever  abandon  the  use  of  alcoholic 
drinks,  I  shall  gratefully  feel  that  I  have  not  written 
this  incident  in  vain. 

Before  I  left  Wilberforce,  the  Rev.  S.  E.  Cornish, 
made  a  visit,  and  preached  the  V  id  of  Life  to  the 
colony,  greatly  to  the  satisfaction  and  comfort  of  the 
settlers.  After  distributing  liberally  of  his  abundance, 
to  his  poor  brethren,  he  departed  for  the  States, 
attended  by  the  prayers  and  blessings  of  the  Wilber- 
force  colonists. 


1    i  ^ 

It 


CHAPTEB    XXXIII. 


.  "^^SAOraB  AXD  MATH  OF  I.  LEWIS. 

T  HAVE  spoken  in  the  preceding  chapter,  of  a 
X    visit  from  the  Hev  <3  p  n      •  ,  f""'  "'  & 

He  had  previously  written  me,  concerning  the  obio^t 
of  his  proposed  visit,  which  was  to  obtain  the  i^ 
y  of  the  board  of  managers,  relative  JaU  I 
money  received  through  their  agents  for  the  ^  ony 
He  was  sent  to  Canada  then,  and  once  afl^rwll  fe 
-d  at  t^c  expense  of  A.  Tappan,  on  business  Z^. 
mg  to  the  law-suit  instituted  bv  T  T^^-         ■ 
gentleman  for  defamation  If 'i^J' Tdl' 
ffltions  token  in  the  colonv   with  *i,  ^ 

twice  sending  an  a.Jnt  tor     T  '''^'^  "^ 

S  an  agent  to  Canada,  must  have  mprl^  « 

«mnd  sum  for  that  kind  gentlcma;  to  pay  «„: 

tclhng  a  truth  already  known  I  ^     ' 

Mr.  Cornish  had  also  been  informed  of  my  intention 

vvmg  something  concermng  the  state  of 


DEATH  OP  ISBAEL  LEWIS. 


288 


XIIT. 


F  I.  LEWIS. 

3ing  chapter,  of  a 
Qiah,  to  the  colony, 
iceming  the  object 

obtain  the  deposi- 
relative  to  all  the 
Its  for  the  colony, 
ice  afterwards,  for 
1  business  pertain- 
Lewis  against  that 
cter.     The  depo- 

the  expense  of 
lust  have  made  a 
0  pay,  merely  for 

i  of  my  intention 
^ily  were  already 
ning  the  state  of 


things,  urged  me  to  remain  at  least,  until  his  arrival 
aa  Will  be  seen  by  a  reference  to  his  letter  in  the 
appendix. 

As  I  look  back  on  those  scenes  of  labor  and  trial,  I 
find  cause  for  deep  humiliation  and  gratitude  to  God, 
for  His  goodness  and  gracious  protection,  over  my 
frail  life,  through  unseen  dangers  of  various  kinds, 
and  for  his  continued  favors  and  .unmerited  blessings 
Many  of  my  fellow  men  have  fallen  in  death's  cold 
embrace  since  that  time,  while  my  health  and  life  Las 
been  mercifully  preserved. 

Three  of  the  leading  characters  of  the  Wilberforce 
colony  arc  now  dead.  Eev.  Benjamin  Paul,  lies  in 
the  silent  grave-yard  in  Wilberforce,  C.  W.  His 
brother,  Bev.  Nathaniel  Paul,  also  sleeps  the  dreamless 
sleep  of  death,  and  his  dust  rests  in  the  beautiful 
cemetry  in  Albany,  N.  Y. 

Israel  Lewis  has  also  finished  his  earthly  career 
after  rolnng  the  poor  of  their  just  dues,  and  per- 
seoutin;?  those  who  endeavored  to  defend  them;  after 
living  in  extruvragance— "faring  sumptuously 'every 
day,"—he  became  reduced  in  circumstances;  despised 
and  dishonored,  his  proud  spirit  was  at  last  broken. 
His  health  gave  way;  when  at  length,  unattended  and 
alone,  he  found  his  way  to  a  hospital  in  Montreal, 
where  he  soon  after  died,  leaving  not  enough  of  ail 
his  gains  to  afford  him  a  decent  burial  I 
Oh,  what  a  reward  "for  all  his  \abor  under  the 


284        CUAIUOMR  AND  DKATH  OF  I.  LKWig. 

»«nl"    His  fomo,  !,:«  wealth,  and  his  lawsuits,  all 
have  perishea  with  his  memory.    Poor  man  I 

Israel  Lewis  was  born  a  slave,  raised  on  a  Southern 
plantation,  and  subjcetcd  to  all  the  cruelties  and  depri- 
rations  of  a  bondman.    His  natural  abilities  were 
above  medioerity,  but  having  never  had  the  advant- 
ages  of  an  education,  or  the  privileges  of  a  society 
calculated  to  cultivate  and  refine  his  natural  aspiring 
intellect,  and  to  direct  his  indomitable  will  in  the 
aoquiremont  of  the  more  imperishable  graces  of  the 
human  heart,  he  had  come  to  manhood  with  a  deter- 
mrn^,  selfish  disposition,   to    accomplish  whatever 
gratified  his  vanity  or  administered  to  the  wants  of 
ills  animal  nature. 

And   may  we  not,  with   propriety  here  inquire, 
whether  our  common  Father,  who  has  declared  him- 
self  to  be   "no  respecter  of  persons,"  has  endowed 
men  with  enlarged  capacities  tor  the  at'^nment  of 
that  knowledge  and  wisuom,  so  requisite  to  the  eleva- 
hon  of  eharacter,_for  the  express  pn^ose  of  seeing 
«.em  made  boasts  of  burUen,  and  their  superior  facul- 
ties  prostituted  by  the  sensuality  imposed  by  Slavery 
and  to  be  sold  as  chattels,  with  impunity  ?  I  tell  yon 
nay     The  day  when  Almighty  God  will  avenge  the 
work  of  h,s  own  hand.,,  hasteth  greatly  I    Were  it  not 
so,  we  might  rejoice  in  the  ignorance  of  the  poor 
'laves,  and  pray  that  none  of  them  may  ever  be 
endowed  with  a  superior  intellect  to  that  of  tl  e  brutes 


3P  I.  LEWIS. 


HIS  NATURAL  S^ilKWDNESS. 


285 


they  are  made  to  resemble.  Then  would  the  proud 
spirit  no  longer  chafe,  and  manhood  writhe  in  the 
unbroken  chain;  but,  like  the  ox  to  the  yoke  or  the 
horse  to  the  harness,  they  might  submit,  without  a 
conscioug  violation  of  their  dearest  and  God  given 
rights.     But  we  were  speaking  of  Israel  Lewis. 

A  natural  energy  and  strength  of  character,  he  had 
ipherited;  a  malicious,  selfish,  and  consequently  a  de- 
ceptive disposition,  his  life  as  a  slave  had  unaoubtedly 
bestowed  upon  him.  Intellect  must  have  scope,  and 
when  nothing  is  left  within  its  grasp  but  vice,  can  we 
wonder  that  the  slave  possessing  the  most  talent, 
should  generally  prove  the  greatest  villain. 

Uneducated  a^  was  Lewis,  his  quick  perception,  his 
ungoverned  ^oassions,  and  his  native  independence,  not 
only  made  him  a  dangerous  slave,  but  an  unfaithful 
end  overbearing  companion.    He,  however,  took  a 
wife— a  slave  like  himself,— whose  devotedness  and 
good  sense,  cannot  be  made  manifest,  more  than  in 
her  willingness  to  leave  all  that  was  dear  to  her  on 
earth,  and  flee  from  their  birth-place,  she  knew  not 
whither;  but  confiding  in  the  professed  love  and  pro- 
tection of  her  husband,  she  cheerfully  followed  him  to 
the  dense  forest,  in  search  of  that  freedom,  denied 
them  in   their  native  country,-«ubmitting    herself 
gladly  to  all  the  hardships  and  fearful  anxieties  of  a 
fugitive  slave.     What  to  her  were  horsemen,  armed 
mth  dirk  and  rifle !     What  though  the  trained  and 


286         OHARAOTEH  AND  DBAM  OF  I.  MWB. 

mh^rnan  blooO-hound  bayed  upon  their  t«ck  I    T^as 
not  he  who  had  .worn  a  life-Iong  allegiance  to  her  by 
her  .de ,    Should  he  be  killed  or  retaken,  what  eould 
he  d^^e,  but  to  be  hi,  companion  stilll     Slaveiy 
even  tetter  aa  was  the  cup,  might  contain  for  her  o™ 
2«*oi>.  while  connubial  love  lighted  up  their  rude 
cjm,  and  sweetened  their  daily  toil,   but  the  ad- 
dihonal  anh^pation  of  mbrtv,  to  their  domestic 
happmess-oh  blessed  hope  1   How  it  quickened  their 

the  North,  they  pressed  forward  through  every  diffl. 
c^ty,  untU  they  finally  reached  Cincinnati,  O.^^Tt^ 

terro:.  of  the  mob,  whe:^  also  he  was  chosen  agent, 
to  seek  a  more  safe  and  quiet  home  for  his  afflicted 
and  outcast  countrymen.  The  office  was  accepted, 
and^Lewis  became  the  founder  of  the  WUberforce 

The  personal  appearance  of  Israel  Lewis  was  pre- 
poss^ng,  his  manner  and  address  easy  and  com- 
nmdmg.  To  those  unacquainted  with  hi,  private 
hfe,  ks  ungovemed  passions,  and  his  unprincipled, 

r  vf    .  ^^"''""'^  he  could  appear  the  gentleman, 
the  philanthropist,  and  the  Christian. 

His  education  was  limited;  yet  he  had  managed  to 
gather  a  sufficient  knowledge  of  the  sciences  tolnable 
h.m  to  read  and  write,  together  with  quite  a  fond  of 
general  mformation,  and  then  his  shrewdness  «id  tact 


'F  I.  LBWIS. 

their  track  I    Waa 
allegiance  to  her  by 
retaken,  what  could 
ion  still  I     Slavery- 
contain  for  her  one 
^hted  up  their  rude 
toil;    but  the  ad- 
to  their  domestic 
it  quickened  their 
s  upon  the  star  of 
irough  every  diffi. 
icinnati,  0.   There 
iers,  suffered    the 
ivas  chosen  agent, 
B  for  his  afflicted 
ce  was  accepted, 
'  the  Wilberforce 

1  Lewis  was  pre*. 
3  easy  and  com- 
with  his  private 
his  unprincipled, 
n  the  gentleman, 

had  managed  to 
ciences  to  enable 
quite  a  fund  of 
Jwdness  and  tact 


ADDBESSES  THE  SENATE  AT  ALBANY.  287 

accomplished  all  the  rest.  To  strangers  he  could 
appear  a  npe  scholar,  if  left  unquestioned.  He  was  a 
good  speaker,  and  once  spake  with  eloquence  and 
marked  effect  before  the  Legislature,  assembled  in  the 
tsenam  Chamber,  at  Albany,  N.  Y. 

Had  the  childhood  of  Mr.  Lewis  been  passed  under 
more  favorable  auspices,  had  his  intellectual  faculties 
been  so  cultiva*  i  as  to  predominate  over  his  animal 
proper^mes,  ana  his  towering   aspirations   directed 
toward  the  accomplishment  of  ac^  lofty  in  their 
benevolence,  noble  in  their  sacrifice,  high  in  their 
honorable  purpose,  and  great  in  their  purity:  1  can 
but  beUeve  that  his  powerful  intellect  would  have 
achieved  the  fame  of  a  Lundy,  or  would  have  ■..- 
queathed  to  his  brethren  a  memory  Uke  that  of  a 
Clarkson.    Instead,  we  have  found  him  devoting  his 
energies  to  the  gratfication  of  his  avarice,  pridefand 
ambition-^naracteristic^  directly  opposed  to  the  de- 
portment  of  the  humble  Christian,  and  such  as  our 
Heavenly  Father  has  never  promised    to    prosper. 
How  truly  has  "the  wise  man"  said,  "He  that  is 
P^edy  of  gam  tr^uble-i  his  own  house;  but  he  that 
hateth  gifts  shall  live."     How  stekingly  has  th^ 
passage  been  verified  in  the  coume  of  Lewis  I    For  a 
few  paltry  sums  of  gam,  could  he  consent,  not  alone  to 

fte  T.rt\       "'°'"  "  ""  kindly  given  as  un,„ 
fte  Lord,  but  to  turn  scornfully  away  from  that  poor, 

liiiterate,  and  humble  sla^e  wi'-   -i-        .      •    , 

*'"  "'"=1  wiiom  ne  Had,  in 


III 


288  OUA.IIAOTER  AND  DEATH  OP  I.   liEWlS. 


their  mutual  adversity,  vowed  to  cherish  in  prosperity 
as  well  OS  in  all  other  circumstances  through  life.  That 
wife,  who  had  borne  with  him  the  sorrows  of 
Slavery — tho  humble  choice  of  a  bondman  I  She, 
who  flod  with  him,  anticipating  additional  happiness 
in  a  life  of  freedom  I  Poor  woman  I  Disappointment 
is  of  an  earthly  growth,  yet  God  is  merciful ;  notwith- 
standing wo  have  the  same  authority  as  above,  for 
saying  that  *'  Every  one  that  is  proud  in  heart  is  an 
kbomination  to  the  Lord :  though  hand  join  in  hand, 
he  shall  not  be  unpunished." 

In  the  hands  of  a  righteous  Judge  we  leave  him, 
who,  for  the  wealth  that  perisheth, — who,  for  worldly 
honor  and  selfish  gratification,  could  barter  his  honesty 
and  integrity,  as  "  Esau,  who  sold  his  birth-right  for  a 
mess  of  pottage." 

To  me  the  lesson  is  an  impressive  one,"  and  I  am 
thinking  it  would  be  well  for  us  all  to  examine  the 
foundation  on  which  we  stand.  If  based  upon  the 
solid  and  broad  foundation  of  Christianity,  doing  to 
others  in  all  things  as  we  would  they  should  do  to  us, 
sacrificing  on  all  occasions  our  own  ease,  and  worldly 
honor,  for  the  benefit  of  our  fellow-men,  and  the  good 
of  our  country,  then  indeed,  we  need  fear  no  evil ;  if 
the  winds  of  adversity  howl  about  our  dwelling,  we 
shall  find  it  will  stand,  being  founded  on  a  rock. 
But  if  we  build  upon  "the  sands"  of  fame  or  self- 
augrandizement,  and,  like  the  towering  oak.  lift  our 


1  OP   I.    liEWlS. 

ko  cherish  in  prosperity 
ices  through  life.  That 
him  the  sorrows  of 
f  a  bondman  I  She, 
y  additional  happiness 
nan  I  Disappointment 
1  is  merciful ;  notwith- 
ithority  as  above,  for 
3  proud  in  heart  is  an 
gh  hand  join  in  hand. 


i 


CHBBTIANITr  THE  SDMST  FOUTOATION.      289 


Judge  we  leave  him, 
3th, — who,  for  worldly 
Duld  barter  his  honesty 
Id  his  birth-right  for  a 


ressive  one,"  and  I  am 
us  all  to  examine  the 
.  If  based  upon  the 
Christianity,  doing  to 
.  they  should  do  to  us, 
own  ease,  and  worldly 
low-men,  and  the  good 
)  need  fear  no  evil ;  if 
)out  our  dwelling,  we 
;  founded  on  a  rock. 
nds"  of  fame  or  self- 
towering  oak.  lift  our 


CHAPTER    XXXIV. 


MY  RETURN  TO  ROCHESTER. 


HAVESra  closed  my  business  in  Wilberforce,  I 
prepared  to  leave  on  the  expiration  of  my 
term  of  office  as  township  clerk,  which  was  now  near 
at  hand.    Notwithstanding,  I  ever  felt  a  sensation  of 
relief  and  pleasure,  when  I  thought  of  returning  to 
my  old  home  and  friends  m  the  States,  yet  as  often 
as  1  look  abroad  over  the  settlement  and  remember  all 
my  glowmg  hopes,— all  my  delightful  anticipations  of 
a  prosperous  future  for  those  poor,  struggling  colonists ; 
when  I  recollected  with  what  zeal  and  honest  purpose, 
with  what  sincerity  and  sacrifice  I  h^d  prosecuted  my 
labor  among  them,.-a  dark  shadow  at'  disappointment 
would  flit  across  my  mind,  however  welcome  it  might 
be.     That  I  had  firm  and  tried  friends  in  the  colony, 
I  had  never  the  least  reason  to  doubt,  not  to  suppose 
their  number  less  after  a  five  years  residence  with 
them;  but  our  expectations  had  not  been  realized. 


SXXIV. 


;OCHESTER. 

aesa  in  Wilberforce,  I 
the  expiration  of  my 
k,  which  was  now  near 
)ver  felt  a  sensation  of 
lought  of  returning  to 
he  States,  yet  as  often 
nent  and  remember  all 
ghtful  anticipations  of 
)r,  struggling  colonists ; 
al  and  honest  purpose, 
5 1  h^d  prosecuted  my 
low  at'  disappointment 
ever  welcome  it  might 
frienda  in  the  colony, 
doubt,  not  to  suppose 
years  residence  with 
id  not  been  realized. 


KETUBX  TO  ROCHESTER  PENNILESS.  291 

Our  hope  of  settling  a  townshin  i^  T.. 

but  m  the  retrospect  mv  heart  did   «..        ^      ' 
me.    Errors  m.r.J     ^    .  ^°*  condemn 

and  itsttereir  "*  "^°°  **"'  "^^  ^W 

wSerfl"~'  ^  "'  ''""^'  1««^.  I  'eft 
Vueenston,  Lewiston,  and  from  thence  to  Eoohester 

-cans  of  comfort  and  support''  "'^  ""''^ 

What  would  my  Bocheater  frienda  think  nf 
conduct?    Notwithstanding  all  mvl       .         "^ 
evil  foreboding  at  tU,  T     t    ^  "despondency  and 

'•.-".yiabo/w::  fa  T„\L^j;;-^^ 

did  result  from  it.  '         *^^*  '^'"^  ^^^^ 

As  I  drew  near  the  citv.  «  «u^^  v.     ,, .  .     , 

.  7  -  s-^'Jn  like  thicie  dark- 


292 


MY  RETURN  TO  ROCHESTER. 


ness  overshadowed  me:  I  thought  of  the  unfavorable 
transactions  which  had  occurred  between  the  directors 
of  the  colony  and  my  friends  in  Rochester,  and  fell  to 
wondering  how  they  would  receive  me. 

On  the  twenty-third  of  January,  1837, 1  finally  re- 
entered the  city  penniless;  but  as  I  soon  found,  not  so 
friendless  as  my  fears  would  have  it.  Among,  the 
first  to  welcome  me  back  to  my  old  home,  was  that 
friend  of  "blessed  memory,"  Everard  Peck,  who  had 
been  apprised  of  some  of  the  losses  I  had  met  and  the 
trials  I  had  passed  through.  This  gentleman  was  also 
one  of  the  first  to  propose  to  be  one  of  five  men,  who 
should  loan  me  one  hundred  dollars  each,  for  five 
years.  Through  the  disinterested  kindness  of  this 
worthy  gentleman,  I  was  in  a  few  days  after  my 
arrival,  well  established  in  a  store  of  provisions  and 
groceries.  The  five  kind  gentlemen,  to  whom  I  was 
so  deeply  indebted  for  the  loan,  were :  Everard  Peck, 
George  A.  Avery,  Samuel  D.  Porter,  Levi  "W.  Sibley, 
and  Griffith,  Brother  &  Co. 

This  noble  act  of  generosity  and  kindness,  on  the 
part  of  my  friends,  to  furnish  me  with  the  means  to 
commence  business,  especially  when  their  prospect  was 
anything  but  flattering,  regarding  my  ever  being  able 
to  refund  their  well-timed  and  gracious  liberality, — 
affected  me  more  deeply  than  all  the  censure  and 
persecution  I  had  elsewhere  received.  Their  frown 
and  displeasure,  I  was  better  prepared  to  meet  than 


!STER. 

of  the  unfavorable 
iween  the  directors 
Chester,  and  fell  to 
me. 

1837,  I  finally  re- 
soon  found,  not  so 
e  it.  Among,  the 
Id  home,  was  that 
rd  Peck,  who  had 
I  had  met  and  the 
gentleman  was  also 
}  of  five  men,  who 
.818  each,  for  five 
kindness  of  this 
w  days  after  my 
of  provisions  and 
sn,  to  whom  I  was 
e:  Everard  Peck, 
r,  Levi  W.  Sibley, 

.  kindness,  on  the 
rith  the  means  to 
their  prospect  was 
ay  ever  being  able 
Lcious  liberality, — 
the  censure  and 
ed.  Their  frown 
ired  to  meet  than 


KINDLY  ASSISTED  BY  OLD  FRIENDS.  293 

this  considerate  act  of  Christian  sympathy,  which  I  am 
not  ashamed  to  say  melted  me  to  tears,  and  I  resolved 
to  show  my  appreciation  of  their  kindness  by  an 
industry  and  diligence  in  business  hitherto  unsur- 
passed. 

E.  Bardwell,  then  a  merchant  on  Exchange  Street 
next  laid  me  under  a  lasting  obligation  by  offering  to 
sell  me  goods  on  credit;   others  proffered  assistance 
by  prom.sing  their  continual  patronage,  which  was  to 
me  the  same  as  cash,-and  soon  the  store  I  had 
opened  on  Main  Street,  was  doing  an  extensive  busi- 
ness.    My  profits  were  small  to  be  sure,  and  I  had  a 
heavy  rent  to  pay  for  my  store  and  dwelling,  yet  I 
was  making  a  comfortable  living  for  my  family,  and 
laymg  by  something  to  reimburee  the  kind  friends 
who  had  helped  me  in  the  thne  of  need,  when  I  found 
hat  the  health  of  my  famUy  required  more  of  my 
time  and  assistance  than  ever  before.     My  oldest 
daughter,  who,  I  have  before  mentioned,  having  token 
a  volent  cold  on  Uke  Erie,  was  now  confined  to  her 
bed.    All  that  could  be  done  to  save  the  life  of  a 
darhng  child-our  first  bora-was  done;  and  if  we 
sometimes  went  beyond  our  means,  it  was  a  satisfac- 
.on  to  us  to  see  her  enjoy  some  of  the  comforts  of 
hfe  of  wh.oh  my  mission  to  Canada  had  deprived  her 
One  physician  after  another  was  employed  to  stey  the 
approach  of  the  destroyer:  some  said  they  could  cure 
her,  If  paid  i„  advance;  to  all  of  which  I  cheerfully 


W 


294 


MY  RETURN  TO  ROCHESTER. 


acceded,  but  only  to  see  our  beloved  sink  lower,  and 
patiently  pine  away. 

No  one  but  a  parent  who  has  watched  the  rapid 
decline  of  a  darling  child,  and  marked  with  a  bursting 
heart  the  approaching  footsteps  of  the  spoiler,  can 
imagine  how  powerless  we  felt  at  that  time.  The 
wealth  of  the  Indias,  had  we  possessed  it,  would  have 
been  freely  given,  although  it  would  have  been  un- 
availing, to  shield  that  loved  and  gentle  form  from 
pain,  and  we  were  obliged  to  look  hopelessly  on,  while 
our  little  patient,  suffering  daughter  sank  lower  and 
lower  every  day.  In  vain  were  our  parental  arms 
outstretched  for  her  protection ;  from  death  we  could 
not  save  her.  She  had  long  since  ceased  to  glide 
about  the  house,  and  soothe  with  her  sUvery  tones  all 
the  childish  fears  of  the  little  ones.  Helpless  she  now 
lay,  burning  with  fever,  and  wasting  from  our  sight, 
"till  soft  as  the  dew  on  the  twilight  descending," 
the  cold  damps  of  death  gathered  on  her  youthful 
brow.  One  pleasant  morning  after  passing  a  restless 
night,  I  observed  her  to  gaze  earnestly  upward,  and  a 
moment  after  I  called  her  name  but  received  no 
answer. 

"  Her  languishing  head  was  at  rest ; 
Its  thinkings  and  achings  were  o'er ; 
Her  quiet,  immoveable  breast, 
Was  heaved  by  aifiictiou  no  more." 

On  the  fifteenth  day  of  April,  1837,  she  sweetly  fell 


ESTER. 

ed  sink  lower,  and 

watched  the  rapid 
:ed  with  a  bursting 
f  the  spoiler,  can 
,t  that  time.  The 
3sed  it,  would  have 
lid  have  been  un- 
gentle form  from 
lopelessly  on,  while 
er  sank  lower  and 
our  parental  arms 
om  death  we  could 
36  ceased  to  glide 
er  silvery  tones  all 
Helpless  she  now 
ig  from  our  sight, 
light  descending," 
I  on  her  youthful 
p  passing  a  restless 
3tly  upward,  and  a 
but  received  no 


rest ; 
'•ere  o'er; 

more." 

17,  she  sweetly  fell 


PROSPERITY  IN  BUSINESS.  295 

asleep,  aged  eleven  years.  Sorrowfully  we  followed 
her  remains  to  Mount  Hope,  where  we  laid  her  down 
to  rest  until  the  resurrection  morning.  Death  had 
now  made  its  first  inroad  in  our  family  circle,  and 
smce  then  we  have  laid  two  other  loved  ones  by  her 
side.     We  sorrowed,  but  not  without  hope. 

My  business  continued  to  prosper,  and  I  concluded 
to  buy  a  small  variety  store,  containing  some  three  or 
four  hundred  dollars  worth  of  goods  on  the  corner  of 
Main  and  North  Streets,   formerly  owned  by  Mr. 

Snow,  but,  having  two  stores  on  my  hands,  I  did  not 

make  much  by  the  trade. 
The  first  summer  after  I  returned  to  Rochester,  the 

•friends  of  temperance  made  a  fine  celebration,  and 

gave  me  the  privilege  of  providing  the  dinner. 
I  considered  it  not  only  a  privilege,  but  an  honor, 

and  felt  very  grateful  to  the  committee  who  conferred 

the  favor  upon  me. 

The  celebration  came  off  on  the  Fourth  of  July,  and 
was  indeed  a  splendid  affair.    The  multitude  were 
addressed  on  the  public  square,  by  some  of  the  best 
speakers  in  the  country.    I  kid  in  a  large  quantity  of 
provisions  of  every  available  kind,  built  a  bower, 
hired  waiters,  and  prepared  seats  for  five  hundred  to 
dme;  but  when  the  oration  was  over,  and  the  multi- 
tude came  to  the  table,  I  found  that  as  many  more 
seate  were  wanted.     We,  however,  accommodated  as 
many  as  we  could,  at  one  dollar  each,  and  all  passed 
off  well,  to  the  great  satisfaction  of  all  concerned.     ^ 


296 


MY  RETURN  TO  ROCHESTER. 


.*}     I' 


When  all  was  over,  and  the  friends  learned  that  I 
had  on  hand  a  large  amount  of  cooked  provision,  they 
continued  their  kindness  by  purchasing  it,  thus  pre- 
venting any  loss  on  my  part. 

My  store  on  the  corner  of  Main  and  North  Streets 
was  at  the  head  of  the  market,  and  I  was  enabled  to 
supply  both  of  my  stores  with  country  produce  on 
the  best  possible  terms.    I  kept  two  clerks  at  each 
store,  and  all  seemed  prosperous  for  a  time,  when  from 
some  cause,  which  I  could   never  understand,  my 
busmess  began  to  fail.     My  family  had  ever  Hved 
prudently,  and  I  knew  that  was  not  the  cause.    I 
thought  to  better  my  circumstances  by  taking  a  store 
in  the  Eochester  House,  but  that  proved  to  be  a  bad 
stand  for  my  business,  and  after  one  year,  I  removed 
to  Buffalo  Street,  opposite  the  Court  House.    I  ought 
to  say,  that  as  soon  as  I  found  that  my  income  was 
gettmg  less  than  my  expenses,  I  went  to  the  gentle- 
men who  had  loaned  me  the  five  hundred  dollars,  and 
showed  them  the  true  state  of  my  affairs,  and  they 
kindly  agreed  to  take  fifty  per  cent,  which  I  paid 
them. 

After  looatirg  on  Buffalo  Street,  I  took  in  a  partner, 
named  John  I,ee,  a  young  man,  active  and  industrious' 
who  paid  in.o  the  firm  three  hundred  dollars,  with 
which  we  bought  goods.  With  what  I  had  on  hand, 
this  raised  the  joint  stock  to  about  a  thousand  dollars,' 
which  we  were  making  frequent  additions,  and  on 


MY  GOODS  DESTROYED  BY  FIRE.  297 

wMoh  wo  had  an  insurance  of  six  hundred  dollars. 
Our  business  was  now  more  prosperous  than  at  any 
previous  time,  and  we  began  to  look  up  with  hope 
and  oonfidenee  in  our  final  suceess.     One  nioht  I 
returned  to  my  home  as  usual,  leaving  Lee  in  the 
store.    About  twelve  o'eloek,  Mr.  Morris  awoke  me 
with  a  few  loud  raps,  and  the  anr.uncement  that 
my  sto,^  wa,,  on  fir.  and  a  part  of  my  goods  in  the 
^troetl    I  hastened  to  the  plaee,  where  I  found,  as  he 
M  said,  what  was  saved  from  the  fire  piled  up  in  the 
stroe   and  the  fire  e.xtinguished.    The  building  wa. 
greatly  damaged  and  the  goods  they  reseucd  were 
nearly  rumod.    Now  we  were  thrown  out  of  bust- 

oTw  «  '^\^""  ^"  "^^^'^    ^'^  '^^  '^-'-«=e 
o    W.  S.  Bishop,  a  lawyer,  we  made  out  the  amount 

of  damage,  whieh  was  readily  paid  by  the  agent  for 
the  insurance  company. 

When  the  Fourth  of  July  came  round  again,  the 
t^n^perance  men  resolved  on  having  another  demon- 
^ration,  and  as  before,  I  was  requested  to  supply  the 
dmner,  which  I  did.  after  the  same  manner  as  fhe  yl 
previous.  ■' 

Having  been  thrown  out  of  business  by  the  fire  I 
began  to  examine  my  pecuniary  matters,  and  found 
that  r  was  some  three  or  four  hunared  dollars  in  debt, 
which  I  had  no  means  of  paying.     True,  I  had  me 
with  a  great  misfortune,  but  I  felt  that  to  be  an  honest 
man  I  must  meet  all  obligations,   whether  1, 


N* 


sgaily 


jl 


ih, 


293 


MY  IIKTUIIN  TO  ROCHESTER. 


bowd  to  do  «o  or  not;  yot  it  waa  beyond  my  power  at 
tl.at  t.,ne  a„,l  I  rtnally  concluded  to  leave  the  city 
urn  try  to  better  my  condition  by  acme  otl,er  buBinei 
or  at  least  to  clear  myself  from  debt. 


nil  I      > 


CHAPTER    XXXY. 


BISHOP  BROWN-DEATir  OF  MY  lUFGirTEB. 

T  REMOVED  with  my  family  to  the  village  of 
i  Canandaigun,  where  I  commenced  teaching  a 
school  for  colored  children,  assisted  by  my  daughter. 
The  school  was  sustained  partly  by  the  libera  ity  of 
the  citizens  of  the  village,  and  partly  by  donations 
from  abroad.  It  was  continued  two  years,  an  '  the 
<jhildren  made  rapid  progress  while  they  were  l  ider 
our  tuition. 

Soon  after  I  left  Rochester,  I  visited  New  York  c  ty 
•and  while  there,  I  joined  -The  African  Methodist  E  is' 
<5opal  Conference."  Bishop  Brown,  of  Philadelphia, 
presided  over  the  deliberations  of  that  body  and 
appeared  to  be  a  man  of  deep  piety,  as  well  as  apt  in 
business,  and  was  a  native  of  one  of  the  Carolinas, 
I  found  a  pleasing  acquaintance  also,  with  Bishop 
Walters  of  Baltimore,  Md.  He  wa.  small  in  suture  • 
fout  a  powerful  sue^ker..  and  .     harged  every  duty 


i 


!| 


soo 


BISHOP  BROWN. 


with  "an  eye  single  to  the  glory  of  God."    He  has 
now  gone  to  give  an  account  of  his  stewardship,  and 
I   pray  that    "his  mantle  may   fall"   upon   one   as 
capable  of  leading  our  people  as  ho.     Tlie  conference 
consisted  of  some  sixty  or  seventy  ministers  of  the 
gospel,  with  these  two  Bishops  at  their  head.     The 
conference  continued  its  session  ten  days.     When  it 
was  closed.  Bishop  Brown,  with  several  others,  started 
on  a  visit  to  the  West.   They  called  at  Rochester,  and 
then  passed  over  to  Canada,  where  a  conference  was 
to  be  holden.    We  arrived,  after  a  pleasant  journey, 
at  Hamilton,  where  the  English  government  have  a 
regiment  of  black  soldiers  stationed.    It  was  common, 
in  passing  through  the  streets  of  Hamilton,  to  meet 
every  few  rods,  a  colored  man  in  uniform,  with  a 
sword  at  his  side,  marching  about  in  all  the  military 
pomp  allowed  only  to  white  men  in  this  free  republic. 

All  being  in  readiness.  Bishop  Brown  opened  the 
conference  under  the  authority  of  Her  Brittanio 
Majesty,  with  great  solemnity,  which  seemed  to  be 
felt  by  the  whole  assembly.  This  meeting  appeared 
to  me  far  more  interesting  than  the  one  we  had 
attended  in  New  York  city.  The  colored  people 
were  much  more  numerous  in  Hamilton,  and  in  far 
better  circumstances  than  in  New  York.  It  is  a  hard 
case  to  be  poor  in  any  large  city,  but  to  be  both  poor 
and  black,  ls  was  the  condition  of  the  majority  of  our 
<  friends  in  New  York,  was  indeed  a  terrible  calamity 


COOTBEENOE  OPENED  IN  HAMILTON,  c.  W.     301 

Every  Class,  no  matter  how  worthless  they  mi^ht  be 
would  be  allowed  to  rent  a  house  in  preferen;  I  a 

crowded  baek  into  the  most  unhealthy  alleys  in  old 

ilapid^ted  tenements  unfit  for  human  beings'^  dw^J 

•  ^""/""'^  -  --'d  not  be  disposed  of  to  any  oil 

iToJT-    ^'""■^^PP^'o-y.Wver.ftta 

":f  T  w**^°  p'^" '"  ^-  ^°*-  -- 

no  J^!  ^^''  ^  '■"  ^P^^'^'"g-  Capitalists  have 
noted  the  good  reputation  of  the  colored  people  L 
tenants,  and  have  of  late  erected  good  dweLg  f^ 
the  r  aecommo^tion.  In  Hamilton  there  waa^one 
of  that  w^tehedness  and  squalid  poverty,  nor  any  of 
that  drunken  rowdyism  so  common  in  E^rn  cities 
perceivable  among  the  colored  people  ' 

Son  w>r.  ''"'"■— y  of  «^«  'atter  invited  th 
B.  hop  with  his  associates  to  their  dwellings  to  dine 
.ndeed  we  seldom  took  a  meal  at  our  lodging,  so  tn 
stantly  were  we  solicited  by  friends  tf  o^ 
them  home.  accompany 

maror/""'  ""^  '"^''™  "^^^^  -  f-^'  city, 
many  of  whom  we.^  intelligent  mechanics.    Some  o{ 

buildings  they  were  engaged  in  erecting;    qnite   „ 
number  were  employed  in  building  a  chu  ch  wWch 
appea^d  to  be  done  in  a  workman-like  manner, 
n  t„e  moantm-ie  our  meeting  was  progressing  in  a 


^. 


802 


BISHOP  BROWN. 


very  interesting  manner,  and  when  the  closing  services 
were  commenced,  the  house  was  filled  to  overflowing; 
still  many  could  not  be  accommodated.     The  preach- 
ing was  solemn  and  impressive,  and  it  really  seemed 
to  me  that  the  glory  of  God  filled  the  house  in  which 
we  worshipped;  saints  rejoiced  and  shouted  "glory  to 
God,  in  the  highest,"  while  sinners  trembled  and  cried 
out,  "what  must  we  do  to  be  saved  from  the  ^^  v.Uh  to 
come."      Thero    were    several    hopeful    conversions 
during  the  session  of  conference;  and  after  its  close 
we  spent  one  day  in  making  social  calls,  and  viewing 
the  city  and  its  surroundings. 

Burlington  Bay  makes  an  excellent  harbor  for  ship- 
ping,  while  Burlington  Heights  loom  up  on  the  north 
m  all  their  wild  and  terrific  grandeur.  Near  the  bay 
resides  Mr.  McNab,  so  notorious  in  the  history  of  the 
Canadian  revolution.  We  went  in  a  large  company 
to  look  at  his  beautiful  grounds  and  residence,  over 
which  we  were  politely  conducted  by  his  amiable 
lady.  It  was  indeed  a  lordly  mansion,  with  ite  sur- 
roundings  laid  out  in  the  English  style  of  princely 
magnificence. 

On  our  return  to  the  city  at  evening,  we  were 
invited  to  attend  a  grand  soiree,  got  up  in  honor  of 
the  Bishop's  first  visit  to  that  place.  Several  families 
of  colored  peoplo  combined  to  provide  the  splendid 
entertainment,  while  one  lady  presided  at  the  board. 
She  was  very  beautiful  and  very  dark;  but  a  complete 


n  the  closing  services 
illed  to  overflowing; 
)dated.  The  preach- 
md  it  really  seemed 
i  the  house  in  which 
id  shouted  "  glory  to 
s  trembled  and  cried 
id  from  the  v,  >  nth  to 
lopeful  conversions 
;  and  after  its  close 
1  calls,  and  viewing 

lent  harbor  for  ship- 
om  up  on  the  north 
teur.  Near  the  bay 
a  the  history  of  the 
n  a  large  company 
and  residence,  over 
3d  by  his  amiable 
nsion,  with  its  sur- 
ti  style  of  princely 

evening,  we  were 
:ot  up  in  honor  of 
Several  families 
)vide  the  splendid 
ided  at  the  board, 
•k;  but  a  complete 


ATTEND  A  GRAND  SOIREE.  gOS 

mmisters  who  surrounded  the  festive  board  as  well 
as  our  Insh  friends,  not  a  few  of  whom  were  pH 

^^Tf ''' "—  ^^^^  --d,  rnHot 

"Pat "   n  Z  r'"'  "^"^"^  ^^  ^^«  brother 

^at,    m  rather  a  loud  whisper,  "What's  «11  +1. 

nagurs  setting  to  that  table  for?  "    He  W 

satisfied  himself  and  «ii  .    ^^^  however,  soon 

excellent  orlf'lVlteT;^  '"^'^  ^^'  ^^ 
be^diction,  withdtl^S^i^^^^^^ 

Jeml^T'r  *'^  '^^^^^^^^  ---^'  feeling 
gra  eful  and  pleased  with  our  meeting  and  visit. 

moved  on  tZf  I  '""^"^^  ^^^^^'  ^«  ^^^  ^^at 

moved  on  through   its   placid  waters,   toward    our 

destmation,  then  called  Fort  George,  norNWa 

where  we  took  stage  for  the  Palls  ^  ^^^^^^a, 

grandeur  of  that  natural  curiosity.     Yet  ther^  tl,. 
"Ch  fron^  all  part,  of  the  world'  do  co~ 
There  you  will  finri  fi,«  -/n  congregate  I 

b.usterL.  :if  „X'  :::f  r  t^n-'^^^- 

wealth:  bMt,-„„  „„j  _-^  '?  "^'''  _"'°'^*"'g  »f  Wa 
•    '        =■  '""'  «™5'"ng;  ready  to  flgj,,,  if  y. 


! 


.1  i 


S04: 


BISHOP  BROWN. 


Slightest  wKsh  is  not  granted,  and  lavishing  his  cash 
on  all  wlio  have  the  least  claim  upon  him.    Ah,  well 
can  he  afford  to  be  liberal,^well  can  he  afford  to 
spend  thousands  yearly  at  our  Northern  watering 
places;    he  has  plenty  of  human  chattels  at  home, 
toilmg  year  after  year  for  his  benefit.     The  little  hoe- 
cake  he  gives  them,  takes  but  a  mill  of  the  wealth 
with  which    they  fill    his  purse;    and  should    his 
extravagance  lighten  it  somewhat,  he  has  only  to 
order  his  brutal  overseer  to  sell-soul  and  body- 
some  poor  creature-;  perchance  a  husband,  or  a  wife 
or  a  child,  and  forward  to  him  the  proceeds  of  the 
sale.    While  the  wretched  slave  marches  South  with 
a  gang,   under  the  lash,   he  lavishes  his  funds  in 
extravagant  living,-funds  gathered  from  the  teai^ 
and  blood  of  a  helpless  human  being.     Have  you 
dear  reader,  ever  watched  the  slaveholder  at  such 
places  as  I  have,  gliding  through  the  shady  groves 
or  ridmg  in  his  splendid  carriage,  dressed  in  the 
richest  attire,  and  with  no  wish  ungratified  that  gold 
can  purchase;   and  have  you  ever  been  guilty  of 
envymg  him,  or  of  wishing  yourself  in  his  condition? 
If  so,  think  of  the  curse  which  rests  on  him  who 
grinds  the  face  of  the  poor.     Think  of  his  doom  in 
the  day  of  final  retribution,  when  he  shall  receive  at 
the  bar  of  a  righteous  Judge,  "according  to  the  deeds 
done  m  the  body,  "  and  not  according  to  his  wealth 
and  power.     Think  you,  that  the  prayers,  cries,  and 


JEWISH  "CITY  OP  BEFUGE."  805 

pleadings  of  the  down-trodden  slave  that  for  reara 
have  been  ascending  to  the  throne  of  a  jnst  God  will 
never  be  avenged?  Tea,  verily,  the  day  of  reckon- 
ing  hastens  on  apace,  and  though,  "He  bear  long 
With  them;  He  will  surely  avenge  them  of  their  ad- 
versancs;  and  that  speedily  I " 

As  we  pursued  our  journey  to  Buffalo,  we  passed 
Grand  Island,  from  whence  Mordecai  Emanuel  Noah 
some  years  ago  issued  a  proclamation,  calling  on  the 
Jews  to  come  and  build  on  that  island  the  "City  of 
Refuge,    but  which  I  believe  was  not  responded  to 
as  I  saw  It  remained  in  its  native  wildness.    He  had 
also  a  monument  erected  there  at  the  time,  which 
m.ght  be  seen  from  the  highway  and  canal,  consisting 
of  a  wh.te  marble  slab,  six  feet  in  height,  with  a  suit 
aMe  mscnption  upon  it,  to  direct  the  poor  Jew  to  the 
v^itj  of  Kef  age. 

It  was  quite  conspicuous,  but  not  so  magnificent  aa 
Gea.  Brock's  at  Queenston  Heights 

Arrived  at  Buffalo,  we  held  several  meetings  which 

were  very  mteresting.    The  colored  people  were  then 

numerous  m  that  city,  and  owned  one  of  the  largest 

churches  in  Western  New  York.     We  found  a  1^ 

and  prospero^  society  under  the  superintendence  of 

^Ider  Weir,  who  was  a  good  and  talented  man,  settin. 

a  go.Uy  example  for  his  (lock  to  imitate.   At  Buffalo  I 

parted  with  my  pleasant  and  instructive  traveling 

companion,  Bishop  Brown,  never  to  meet  again  ou  tU 


ill 


806 


DEATH  OP  MY  DAUGHTER. 


¥^ 


shores  of  time.    Soon  after  that  pleasant  journey  he 
died,  and  passed  from  his  labor  to  reward. 

Buffalo  was  then,  as  now  a  great  place  for  business. 
Vessels  from  all  parts  of  the  country  crowded  the 
docks,  and  I  then  thought  that  it  must  in  time  become 
one  of  the  largest  cities  in  the  Union.  After  a  plea- 
sant  visit  with  our  people  there,  I  returned  to  my 
home  in  Canandaigua,  where  I  now  began  to  feel 
quite  settled. 

I  had  been  requested  to  act  as  agent  for  the  "Anti- 
Slavery  Standard,"  with  which  I  compKed,  and 
leaving  my  daughter  to  teach  the  school,  I  spent  the 
most  of  my  time  in  traveling  through  the  country  to 
advance  the  interests  of  that  paper. 

When  I  returned  from  Buffalo,  she  was  complain- 
ing  of  poor  health,  nor  was  it  long  before  we  saw 
that  she  was  rapidly  declining. 

This  beloved  daughter,  I  had  spared  no  pains  nor 
money  to  educate  and  qualify  for  teaching.  I  had 
encountered  all  the  trials  and  difficulties  that  everjr 
colored  man  meets,  in  his  exertions  to  educate  his 
family.  I  had  experienced  enough  to  make  me  fear 
that  I  should  not  always  be  able  to  get  my  children 
into  good  schools,  and  therefore  determined  at  what- 
ever  cost,  to  educate  this  child  thoroughly,  that  she 
might  be  able,  not  only  to  provide  for  her  own  wants, 
but  to  teach  her  younger  brothers  and  sisters,  should 
they  be  deprived  of  the  advantages  of  a  good  school. 


DAUGHTER. 

hat  pleasant  journey  he 
r  to  reward. 

great  place  for  business. 
e  country  crowded  the 
b  it  must  in  time  become 
e  Union.  After  a  plea- 
lere,  I  returned  to  my 
I  now  began  to  feel 

;  as  agent  for  the  "Anti- 

lich    I    complied,    and 

the  school,  I  spent  the 

through  the  country  to 

aper. 

falo,  she  was  complain- 

it  long  before  we  saw 

id  spared  no  pains  nor 
for  teaching.  I  had 
difficulties  that  every 
ertions  to  educate  his 
ough  to  make  me  fear 
ble  to  get  my  children 
•e  determined  at  what- 
I  thoroughly,  that  she 
ide  for  her  own  wants, 
lers  and  sisters,  should 
ages  of  a  good  school. 


I 


HEAET-BENDrao  BEREAVEKENT.  JOT 

Well  had  she  rewarded  my  labor;   well  had  she 
realized  all  my  fondest  hopes  and  expeetations,_but 
alas  I  for  human  foresight  and  worldly  wisdom  I    The 
aecomphshments  and  qualifications  of  a  teacher  were 
atoned;    and  proudly  we  looked  for  the  achieve- 
ment  of  our  long-contemplated  design.     How  hard  to 
believe  that  the  fell  destroyer  was  upon  her  track! 
Her  educabon  had  qualified    her  for  teaching  the 
scences;  but  now  I  saw,  that  her  faith  in  the  rehgion 
of  the  blessed  Christ,  was  assisting  her  to  teach  her 
own  heart  a  Ic^on  of  patience,  and  quiet  submission 
to  the  wU   of  am  who  holds  the  issues  of  life,_and 
Oh  ho^  d.flicult  for  us  to  learn  the  solemn  lesson, 
tbat  her  wastmg  form,  her  gradual  sinking  away,  wai 
hourly  settmg  before  us. 

Slowly  her  strength  failed;  she,  however,  saw  our 
sorrow  ul  anxiety,  and  would  try  to  relieve  it  with  a 

able  to  walk  about,  which  would  revive  our  waverin. 

hope;  the  next  she  was  prostmte  and  sufl-ering;  then 

hope  died  and  we  were  sad  I    All  the  spring  time  she 

angu.hcd;  the  summer  came,  the  roscs'bloom:^  at 

the  gram  began  to  ripen,  but  she  was  wasting  away 

The  orchard  yielded  its  golden  harvest;   the  bir^ 

-ng  merrily  on  the  t«,es,  but  a  dark  shadow  had 

fall  n  on  our  hearthstone,  and  a  gloom,  like  the  pall  of 

d^th,  rested  on  our  household.    Her  place  at  tawl 

was  already  vaoarf   n-  1 •>         5  .  ^ 

,   .-._ax.t,  R^  iuugur  sne  called  the  little 


li 


SOS 


.«  i 


I  ! 


I'tll 


DEATH  OP  Mr  DATOHTEK. 


ones  about  her  to  hear  them«,peat  their  taaks-aU 

cou  d  now  see  her,  would  be  vaeated;  and  we  should 
no  longer  witness  her  patient  smile  and  W    h  t 

church  often  called  to  pray  with,  and  for,  he  S 

was  a  Chnstian  in  everj  sense  of  the  word 

On  the  thirtieth  day  of  Au<r„«t  .»    v    .    , 
o'clock    A    u       ■*!,  August,  at  about  eleven 

o  Clock,  A.  M,  without  a  struggle  or  a  groan  her 
mnt  returned  to  God  who  gave  it.  "S^ee^t 
babes  sleep"  she  sank  into  the  embrace  of  Lr 
Happily,  triumphantly,  had  she  seen  the  grim  ml' 
-nger  approach;  but  she  knew  whom  she  had  b" 
jeved,  and  that  He  was  able  to  keep  that  whid 
«he^l^  committed  to  Him,  unto  the  rLrrectionJ 

She  had  previously  made  a  confession  of  her  faith 
2  Chr.",  and  had  been  buried  with  Him  in  bapS^ 
A  few  days  after  her  demise,  a  long,  sad  tnun  wound 
.<«  way  0  the  village  church  yard,  whei.  we  de 
posited  the  remams  of  our  beloved,-Patience  Jat 
S  eward  in  the  eighteenth  year  of  her  age;  and  then 

eft  a  world  of  pain  and  sorrow,  where  the  fairest  rose 
conceals  a  thorn,  the  sweetest  cup  a  bitter  drop,  for  a 
home  where  the  flowei.  would  never  fade,  and  where 
pain,  sorrow  and  death  will  never  come.    We  all  felt 


A.ITGHTER. 

repeat  their  tasks,— all 
3oon  the  bed  where  wo 
acated;  and  we  should 

smile,  and  know  that 
pastor  of  the  Baptist 
ith,  and  for,  the  quiet 

very  highly,  for  she 
>f  the  word, 
gust,  at  about  eleven 
ggle  or  a  groan,  her 
ive  it.     "Sweetly  as 
e  embrace  of  death. 

seen  the  grim  mes- 
N-  whom  she  had  be- 
to  keep  that  which 
0  the  resurrection  of 

)nfession  of  her  faith 
ith  Him  in  baptism. 
>ng,  sad  train  wound 
7ard,  where  we  de- 
^ed,— Patience  Jane 
f  her  age;  and  then 

realize  that  she  had 
'here  the  fairest  rose 

a  bitter  drop,  for  a 
ver  fade,  and  where 

come.    We  all  felt 


THE  PEACEFUL  DEATH-BED  'CONTRASTED.       309 

the  solemn  and  impressive  wanting,    «'Be  ye  also 

dea«,  her  firm  rehance  on  God,  and  sweet  submission 
to  His  will  I  could  not  forbear  contracting  her  d.- 
parture  wiU.  that  of  Mrs.  Helm,  whose  death  I  have 
elsewhere  described;  and  could  fervently  pray  that  I 

"Behold  the  Western  evening  light, 
It  melts  in  deep'ning  gloom; 
So  calmly  Christians  sink  away, 
Descending  to  the  tomb. 

The  winds  breathe  low,  the  withering  leaf 
Scarce  whispers  from  the  tree,^ 

So  gently  flows  the  parting  breath, 
When  good  folks  cease  to  bo. 

How  beautiful  on  all  the  hills, 

The  crimson  light  is  shed  ; 
'Tis  like  the  peace  the  Christian  gives. 

To  mourners  round  his  bed. 

How  mildly  on  the  wandering  cloud. 

The  sunset  beam  is  cast,— 
'Tis  like  the  memVy  left  behind. 

When  loved  ones  breathe  their  last. 


f\ 


u 


SIO 


DEATH 'OF  MY  DAUGHTER* 

And  now  above  the  dewa  of  night. 

The  yellow  stor  appears ; 
So  faith  springs  in  the  breast  of  those, 

Whose  eyes  are  bathed  in  team. 

But  soon  the  morning^  happier  light, 

Its  glory  shall  restore ; 
And  eyelids  that  are  seal  i.^  in  death, 

Shall  wake  to  close  nu  mivjre." 


n 


nu  mrire." 


CHAPTEK    XXXVI. 


CELEBRATION  OF  THE  FIRST  OF  AUGUST. 

mHE  anti'slavery  frienda  in  Canandaigua,  had  re» 
X  solved  to  celebrate  the  anniversary  of  the  West 
India  emancipation,  in  suitable  manner  in  that  vHlage, 
for  which  funds  had  been  unsparingly  collected,  to 
defray  the  expenses  of  the  coming  demonstration. 
The  first  of  August,  1847,  fell  on  Sunday,  and  our 
people  concluded  to  devote  that  day  to  religious  meet- 
mgs,  and  the  second  to  their  proposed  celebration. 

Frederick  Douglass  and  Mr.  Van  Loon,  from  Pough- 
keepsie,  addressed  the  people  on  the  Sabbath;  and 
also,  on  the  same  evening,  a  large  concourse  at  the 
Court  IIou^c.  The  day  following,  there  were  not  less 
than  ten  thousand  people  assembled  on  the  beautiful 
grounds,  belonging  to  the  viJlage  Academy-attentive 
hsteners  all  to  the  eloquent  speeches  delivered,  and 
interested  spectators  of  the  imposing  exercises. 


n^ 


HI 


■■  ( 


1 


812 


CELEBUATION  OF  TTTE  FIRST  OF  AUGUST. 


When  tho  v«.t  multitude  had  convened,  the  excr- 
cises  were  eommonccd  by  the  Rev.  S.  R.  Ward,  who 
addressed  tho  throne  of  grace,  after  which,  Mr.  Fred, 
enek  Dougla.sH  d(,livored  an  oration,  in  a  style  of 
eloquence  which  only  Mr.  Douglass  himself  can  equal, 
followed  by  a  song  from  the  Geneva  choir,  and  music 
by  Barrmg's   band.     Ucv.  II.  H.  Garnet,  editor  of 
The  National  Watchman,"  next  spake,  and  with 
marked  effect,  followed  by  Messrs.  Ward  and  Doug 
lass;  after  which,  tho  oflscmblage  formed  a  procession, 
and  marching  to  tho  Canandaigua  Hotel,  partook  of  a 
sumptuous  dinner,  provided  by  the  proprietor  of  that 
house.    At  six  P.  M.,  they  again  a^embled  on  the 
square,  and  were  most  eloquently  addressed  by  both 
Ward  and  Garnet;  at  the  close,  they  repaired  to  the 
ladies   fair,  where  thoy  found  everything  in  a  con- 
dition which  spake  well  for  the  enterprise  and  indus. 
try  of  our  colored  siators.     Their  articles  for  sale 
were  of  a  choic'>  and  considerate  selection,  and  such 
a^  sold  rapidly  and  at  fair  prices.     When  all  wa^ 
pleasantly  over,  tho  ladies  contributed  twenty  dollars 
toward  paying  tho  apoakers  present. 

A  most  beautiful  ode  was  composed  by  a  warm  and 
generous  friend  of  tho  cause,  which  was  sung  in  the 
grove,  m  a  spirit  whicli  produced  a  thrilling  interest 
Gladly  would  I  givo  tho  reader  the  whole  composi- 
tion,  but.  Its  length  maJies  it  objectionable  for  this 


tST  OP  AUGUST. 

d  convened,  the  excr- 
lev.  S.  R.  Ward,  who 
fter  which,  Mr.  Fred- 
■ation,  in  a  style  of 
iss  himself  can  equal, 
leva  choir,  and  music 
I  Garnet,  editor  of 
xt  spake,  and  with 
rs.  Ward  and  Doug 
formed  a  procession, 
L  Hotel,  partook  of  a 
le  proprietor  of  that 
a  assembled  on  the 
y  addressed  by  both 
they  repaired  to  the 
rerything  in  a  con- 
iterprise  and  indus- 
T  articles  for  sale, 
selection,  and  such 
iS.     When  all  was 
iited  twenty  dollars 
t. 

)sed  by  a  warm  and 
3h  was  sung  in  the 
i  thrilling  interest 
ie  whole  composi- 
ectionable  for  this 


MESSKS.   DOUGLASS,   WARD  AND  GARNET.        813 

^ace  but  should  they  happen  to  hear  a  soul-stirring 
and  sublime  ode,  commencing  with, 

"HaiU  to  this  day  returning; 
Let  all  to  Heaven  aspire,"  Ac, 

they  may  k„o«r  it  is  the  one  t,  whieh  I  refer 

It  was  indeed,  a  glorious  day  for  the  eolored  pop,,. 
la.,on  generally,  and  many  were  the  indieations  of  a 
d.m,n„t.on  of  that  prejudice  so  prevalent  everywhe L 
W  who  had  supposed  the  eo.ored  man  so  infe^r 
to  themselves  as  to  be  ineapable  of  making  an  inter- 

3t,ng  speeeh,  were  eonvinced  of  their  error  ato 
heanng  Messrs.  Douglass,  Ward  and  Garnet.  Mr  Van 
Loon  was  a  white  elergyman,  but  a  brother  indeed- 
H.B  soul  ,ll„mined  by  the  pure  light  of  the  gospel  of 
peaee;  h,s  heart  full  of  sympathy  for  the  opp^ 

h.s  hands  bus,ly  engaged  in  breaking  every  yoke 

-s.ng  on  the  neeks  of  poor  humani^.    So  v^go^ 

ously,  so  zealously  did  he  unfold  the  Lors  J  The 

>-e  system;    so  truthfully  and  faithfully  d^i  t 

pathetically  4.d  he  appeal  to  the  humanity  of  every 

to  shield,  by  the  holy  principles  of  their  religion  the 
poor  bound,  ,lliterata  .slave,  from  Southe/crl  ty 
and  bondage,-that  some  of  our  aristocratic  eitiLnf 
some  of  our  white  savan-   rc-„i^   ^•    ,   °.  "'^™^' 

oavdn.,  rcpaiu  his  trutkiui  elo- 


Vi 


I     I 


I    i 


m 


n  ' 


lin 


8J.4,     CBLEBBATION  OP  TIIK  PmST  OF  AUOUST. 

quence,  by  vfaiting  upon  l,i,„  the  bittcrct  male- 
dictions.  From  the  negro,  md  they,  wo  will 
accept  those  statements  as  tn,e,-fr<«„  him,  they  are 
portment  and  foreibie;  but  wh.M,  such  unpalatable 
truths  arc  uttered  by  a  wlnto  elergynuu,,  we  cannot 
abide,  nor  will  we  listen  to  them  I 

Let  consistency  blush,  „„d  justice  hang  down  ito 
head  I    Is  not  truth  the  .same,  whether  preelahned  by 
black  or  white,-bond  or  free  ?    Is  a  CaWhnod  to  be 
pardoned  because  uttered  by  a  negro  ?    If  indeed,  a, 
was  admitted,  the  sentiments  CNpresscd  by  our  elo- 
quent  colored  speakers,  were  true,  eouhl  they  be  false 
when  enforced  by  our  intellectual  friend.  Van  Loon  ? 
Certainly  not;    nor  would  the  ewe   have  been  so 
decided  by  these  Solons,  in  any  other  case:  or  where 
the    prejudice  against    color    had    not  warped  and 
blinded  their  otherwise  good  judgment...     Our  speak- 
er,  however,  performed  his  duty  iaitlifiilly,  and  with 
great  satisfaction  to  the  colored  people  and  their  true 
friends  present. 

The  remains  of  this  fearless  champion  of  liberty; 
this  humble  disciple  of  the  despised  Nazarene,  now 
sleeps  in  death,  beside  the  placid  waters  of  the 
Hudson,  while  his  cherished  memory  lives  in  the 
affections  of  thousands,  who  "are  ready  to  perish" 
and  IS  honored  by  the  pure  in  heart,  wherever  his 
name  ha^  been  known  throughout  the  land.  In  the 
day  of  final  reckoning,  think  yon,  he  will  regret 


1ST  OP  AUGUST. 

I  tho  bitterest  male- 
Biiid  tliey,  we  will 
— from  liim,  they  are 
ion  sucli  mi]){i]atable 
!lergyinun,  wo  cannot 
I 

i«tioo  lumg  down  ito 
)etlier  proclaimed  by 
Is  a  flilHchood  to  be 
ogro?    If  indeed,  as 
:preH8cd  by  our  elo- 
,  could  they  be  false, 
t  friend,  Van  Loon  ? 
caHo  liavo  been  so 
)tlier  case :  or  where 
d    not  warped  and 
rrncnts.    Our  speak- 
faithfully,  and  with 
3oplo  and  their  true 

lampion  of  liberty; 
ised  Nazarene,  now 
icid  waters  of  the 
smory  lives  in  tho 
a  ready  to  perish," 
lieart,  wherever  his 
t  tho  land.  In  the 
on,  he  will  regret 


TRIBUTJfi  TO  THE  LAMENTED  VAN  LOON.        315 

having  plead  the  cause  of  the  bondman?  ^h  no- 
nor  can  we  doubt  that  to  him  will  be  rendered  the 
welcome  plaudits:  "Well  done,  good  and  faithful 
servant;  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord.  Thou 
hast  been  faithful  over  a  few  things;  I  will  make  thee 
a  ruler  over  many  things."  What  then  arc  the  few 
light  afflictions  endured  in  this  life,  when  compared 
with  "an  eternal  wni.ht  of  glory,"  awarded  to  the 
faithful  in  that  which  is  to  come  ? 

PIea.sant,  happy,  and  beneficial,  as  had  been  the 
re-union  of  old  and  tried  friends,  to  celebrate  a  glo- 
mus event,  yet,  like  all  earthly  enjoyments,  it  was 
brought  to  a  termination,  reluctant  as  were  the  friends 
to  separate.    Since  that  day,  m^ny  have  been  the 
demonstrations  of-  grateful  joy  and  gladness  on  the 
glonous  anniversary  of  the  emancipation  of  slaves  on 
the  West  India  Islands;  and  yet,  in  this  boasted  "land 
of  the  free,  and  home  of  the  brave;  "  this  famous  and 
declared  fre.  Republic,~the    American    slave    still 
cMnks  his  heavy  chain,  and  wears  the  galling  yoke 
of  the  bondman  I  «        e  j 


iM 


■ 


OHAPTEE    XXXVII. 


CONCLUSION. 

FOB  sovornl  years  past,  anti-slavery  truth  has 
been  spreading,  and  in  proportion  aa  light  has 
shone  upon  the  "peculiar  institution,"  exposing  to  the 
world  its  crimes  and  blood,— enstamping  upon  its 

frontlet,    "TUB    SUM    OP    ALL    VILLAINIES,"— -has  the 

wrath  of  the  impious  slaveholder  been  kindled,  and 
his  arm  outstretched  to  strengthen  the  chain,  and 
press  closer  the  yoke  upon  the  helpless  slave,  proving 
conclusively  that  lie  loves  darkness  because  his  deeds 
are  evil.  Nor  is  this  all ;  he  and  his  apologists  will  inso- 
lently tell  you,  that  you  are  the  guilty  ones  who  have 
tightened  the  bonds  of  the  slave,  increased  his  hard- 
ships, and  blighted  his  prospect  of  freedom,  by  your 
mistaken  kindness,  in  showing  tU  slaveholder  the 
enormity  of  his  sin  I  Can  this  be  so  ?  Have  we  any 
direct  influence  over  his  human  chattels?  None. 
Then  who  is  it  that  rivets  the  chain  and  increases  the 


CONCLUSION. 


817 


XVII. 


slavery  truth   has 
5rtion  as  light  has 
1,"  exposing  to  the 
itamping  upon  its 
AiNiES,"~has  the 
been  kindled,  and 
n  the  chain,  and 
less  slave,  proving 
I  because  his  deeds 
pologists  will  inso- 
tty  ones  who  have 
icreased  his  hard- 
freedom,  by  your 
3  slaveholder  the 
)  ?    Have  we  any 
chattels  ?     None, 
and  increases  the 


already  heavy  burden  of  the  crushed  slave,  but  he 
who  has  the  power  to  do  with  him  as  he  wills  ?    He 
It  IS,  who  has  been  thrust,  unwillingly  perhaps,  into 
sufficient  hght  to  show  him  his  moral  corruption,  and 
the  character  of  the  sin  he  is  daily  committing;  he  it 
IS,  whose  avarice  and  idleness  induces  to  hold  fast 
that  which  is  to  him  a  source  of  wealth,-and  by  no 
means  to  allow  the  same  light  to  fall  in  upon  the 
darkened   intellect    of  his    slave  property,  lest  his 
nches  "take  to  themselves  wings;"   or,  as  may  be 
more  properly  said,  iaU  to  themselves  legs  and  run 
away. 

What  stronger  proof  can  we  ask  in  favor  of  our 
position,  than  the  intolerant  spirit  of  the  South?    If 
the  system  and  practice  of  Slavery  is  a  righteous  one. 
mstituted  by  an  All-wise  God,  certainly  no  human 
power-especially  one  so  impotent  and  futile  as  the 
abolition  power  is  said  to  be-^an  ever  overthrow  it. 
Why  then  are  the  mails  so  closely  examined,  and 
fines  imposed  on  prohibited  anti-slavery  documents? 
Is  It  beyond  their  power  to  confute  the  argumente 
adduced,  or  are  they  fearful  that  a  ray  of  Northern 
hght  may  fall  on  the  mind  of  some  listening  slave 
and  direct  him  to  the  depot  of  an  under-ground  rail! 
road  ?    Judge  ye  I 

What  but  this  same  fearful  and  intolerant  spirit- 
this  over-bearing,  boasting  spirit,  was  it,  that  cowardly 
«»«....«  «  v^ansuau  senator,  while  seated  unsuspect- 


til 


>■     ! 


ii 


818 


CONCLUSION. 


ingly  at  his  desk,  and  felled  him  to  the  floor,  bleeding 
and  senseless  ?  Was  not  the  villainous  blow  which 
fell  upon  the  honored  head  of  Charles  Sumner,  dealt 
bj  the  infamous  Brooks  of  South  Carolina,  aimed  at 
the  free  speech  of  the  entire  North?  Was  it,  think 
you,  a  personal  enmity  that  the  cowardly  scoundrel 
had  toward  our  worthy  Northern  Senator,  which 
induced  the  attack?  No,  no.  Brooks  spake  for  the 
South,  and  boldly  has  it  responded— Amen  I 

It  has  said  through  its  representatives,  that  you 
Northerners  are  becoming  too  bold  in  speaking  of  our 
sin,  and  we  will  use  brute  force  to  repel  it-an  argu- 
ment with  which  we  are  familiar.    You  have  told  us 
that  we  ought  not  to  hold  slaves,  nor  extend  slave 
territory,  which  will  in  a  measure  destroy  our  slave 
market,  and  prove  injurious  to  our  slave-breeding 
population.     You  have  told  us  we  have  no  right  to 
usurp  Kansas,— no  right  to  murder  "Free  State  men," 
and  no  right  to  sustain  there,  a  set  of  "ruffians"  to 
make  Kansas  a  slave  State.     You  have  told  us,  that 
we  have  no  right  to  live  on  the  unrequited  toil  of  our 
slaves;  nor  to  sell  them  to  the  highest  bidder;  nor 
spend  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  in  idle  extravagance. 
Now  know,  all  ye  Northerners,  by  this  cowardly  blow 
on  the  devoted  head  of  your  honored  and  respected 
Senator,  that  we  shall  no  longer  permit  you  to  tell  us 
such  unpalatable  truths,  nor  allow  you  the  privilege 
of  free  speech  I   We  have  too  long  held  the  balance 


CONCLUSION. 


319 


the  floor,  bleeding 
inous  blow  wliich 
-Es  Sumner,  dealt 
Carolina,  aimed  at 
?  Was  it,  think 
wardly  scoundrel 
Senator,  which 
)ks  spake  for  the 
■Amen ! 

tatives,  that  you 
L  speaking  of  our 
3pel  it — an  argu- 
on  have  told  us 
lor  extend  slave 
lestroy  our  slave 
r  slave-breeding 
lave  no  right  to 
Free  State  men," 
of  "ruffians"  to 
ive  told  us,  that 
uited  toil  of  our 
est  bidder;  nor 
ie  extravagance. 
3  cowardly  blow 
I  and  respected 
it  you  to  tell  us 
'U  the  privilege 
eld  the  balance 


of  power  m  the  government  to  yield  it  now;  and  we 
give  you  to  know,  that  whatever  we  ask  of  this 
government,  we  expect  to  obtain;   nor  will  we  hear 
any  of  your  objections.     When  we  desire  you  to  turn 
blood-hound,  and  hunt  for  us  our  fugitive  slaves,  we 
expect  you  to  do  it,  and  to  see  them  returned  to  their 
masters,  without  a  murmur  on  your  part.      Should 
you  object  or  dare  refuse,  we  shall  certainly  cane  some- 
body,  or  else  do  what  we  have  threatened  for  the  last 
quarter  of  a  century,-"  Dissolve   the    ITiNONf" 
Bah  I 

My  house  ha^  ever  been  open  to  the  fugitive  slaves; 
but  more  particularly  when  I  resided  in  Eochester 
did  I  have  occasion  to  see  and  feel  the  distresses 
of  that  class  of  persons;  and  it  appears  to  me,  that 
the  heart  must  be  of  adamant,  that  can  turn  coldly 
away  from  the  pleadings  of  the  poor,  frightened,  fly- 
ing fugitive  from  Southern  bondage. 

For  many  years  past,  I  have  been  a  close  and  inter- 
ested  observer  of  my  race,  both  free  and  enslaved.    I 
have  observed  with  great  pleasure,  the  gradual  im- 
provement in  intelligence  and  condition  of  the  free 
colored  people  of  the  North.    In  proportion  as  preju- 
dice ha^  diminished,  they  have  gradually  advanced- 
nor  can  I  believe  that  there  is  any  other  great  impedi- 
ment m  the  way  to  a  Ingher  state  of  improvement. 
Ihat  prejudice  against  color  is  not  destroyed,  we  very 
well  know.     Its  effects  may  be  seen  in  our  down-cast, 


t'l 


320 


CONCLUSION. 


discouraged,  and  groveling  countiymen,  if  no  where 
else.    Notwithstanding  the  late  diminution,  it  exists 
in  many  of  our  hotels:  some  of  them  would  as  soon 
admit  the  dog  from  his  kennel,  at  table,  as  the  colored 
man;  nevertheless,  he  is  sought  as  a  waiter;  allowed 
to  prepare  their  choicest  dishes,   and  permitted  to 
serve  the  white  man,  who  would  sneer  dnd  scorn  to 
eat  beside  him.     Prejudice  is  found  also,  in  many  of 
our  schopls,  -even  in  th.  .e  to  which  colored  children 
are  admitted;  there  is  so  much  distinction  made  by 
prejudice,  that  the  poor,  timid  colored  children  might 
about  as  well  stay  at  home,  as  go  to  a  school  where 
they  feel  that  they  are  looked  upon  as  inferior,  how- 
ever  much  they  may  try  to  excel. 

Nor  is  that  hateful  prejudice-so  injurious  to  the 
soul,  and  all  the  best  interests  of  the  negro-exclud- 
ed from  the  professed  church  of  Christ.     Oh,  no-  we 
often  find  it  in  the  house  of  worship,  in  all  its  cruel 
rigor.     Where  people  assemble  to  worship  a  pure  and 
holy  God,  who  can  look  upon  no  sin  with  allowance- 
the  creator  of  all,  both  white  and  black,-and  where 
people  professing  to  walk  in  the  footsteps  of  the  meek 
and  quiet  Jesus,  who  has  taught  us  to  esteem  others 
better  than  ourselves;  we  often  see  the  lip  of  some 
professed  saint,  curled  in  scorn  at  a  dusky  face,  or  a 
scowl  of  disapprobation  if  a  colored  person  sits'  else^ 
wb-.e  than  by  the  door  or  on  the  stairs.    How  long, 
O  Lord,  must  these  things  be  I 


CONCLUSION. 


321 


tryineii,  if  no  where 
diminution,  it  exists 
them  would  as  soon 
table,  as  the  colored 
as  a  waiter;  allowed 
,   and  permitted  to 
sneer  And  scorn  to 
nd  also,  in  many  of 
ich  colored  children 
iistinction  made  by 
ored  children  might 
to  a  school  where 
^n  as  inferior,  how- 

so  injurious  to  the 
the  negro — exclud- 
hrist.     Oh,  no;  we 
hip,  in  all  its  cruel 
worship  a  pure  and 
1  with  allowance — 
black, — and  where 
tsteps  of  the  meek 
s  to  esteem  others 
e  the  lip  of  some 
I  dusky  face,  or  a 
I  person  sits  else- 
tairs.    How  lon^ 


Of  my  enslaved  brctliren,  nothing  so  gratifies  me, 
as  to  hear  of  their  escape  from  bondage ;  and  since  the 
passage  of  that  iniquitous  "Fugitive  Slave  Bill,"  I 
have  watched  with  renewed  interest  the  movements 
of  the  fugitives,  not  only  from  Slavery  direct,  but 
those  who  have  been  compelled  to  flee  from  the  nomi< 
nally  free  States,  and  ask  the  protection  of  a  monar- 
chial  government,  to  save  them  from  their  owners  in 
a  land  of  boasted  liberty  I 

The  knowledge   I  have   of   the  colored   men   in 
Canada,  their  strength  and  condition,  would  cause  me 
to  tremble  for  these  United  States,  should  a  war  ever 
ensue  between  the  English  and  American  govern- 
ments,  which  I  pray  may  never  occur.    These  fugitives 
may  be   thought   to  be  a  class  of  poor,  thriftless, 
illiterate  creatures,  like  the  Southern  slaves,  but  it  is 
not  so.     They  are  no  longer  slaves;  many  of  whom 
have  been  many  years  free  men,  and  a  large  number 
^^^'^re  never  slaves.     They  are  a  hardy,  robust  class  of 
men;  very  many  of  them,  men  of  superior  intellect; 
and  men  who  feel  deeply  the  wrongs  they  have  en- 
dured.   Driven  as  they  have  been  from  their  native 
land;  unprotected  by  the  government  under  which 
they  were  born,  and  would  gladly  have  died,-they 
would  m  all  probability,  in  case  of  a  rupture,  take  up 
arms  m  defense  of  the  government  which  has  pro- 
tected   them    and    the    country    of   their    adoption. 
^  "gxand  could  this  day,  very  readily  collect  a  regi. 


H 


S22 


CONCLUSION-. 


ment  of  stalwart  colored  men,  who,  havi„.  Mt  tl,« 
i:,J:    '"  ""**   ^^^'"^   -  -olutionar, 

«:i^r:t:;rr;z'°*^""^-"-" 

of  aoDrmohJ^  "^^  *  consciousness 

ot  approaching  wrong  and  oppression,  which  aronse, 

W  patnotism  and  incites  to  deeds  o   ZZ    Z 

;>,„  f  '^'  ^''^  generations  yet  to  come  ■ 

about  to  be  desecrated,  and  their  wives  and  little  one  ' 

^l^i:'t::i7T,  \  *:  ™'-  °^  ^ 

pn+i,     •  '  ^^^*  cheerful  and  thdllmff 

H..esa,ronVanri;:::::~-^ 

Bondage !    He  beholds,  u  is  true,  a  few  Christ-like 

ht7r  b :  "t-rr""  "-"^'-^  hearts'' S 

ms  cause;    but  while  his  fiv«  v,'.,^i _•., 

-^—   .-"a-^ica  vvicn  gi'aleiui 


CONCLUSION. 


323 


ho,  having  felt  the 

M  with  a  will  noi 

our  revolutionary 

ive  colored  men  to 
States  in  any  case ; 
deeds  of  bravery  ? 
to  take  up  arms  in 
ya  a  consciousness 
ion,  which  arouses 
I  of  daring.    They 
cultivation;  they 
irious  institutions, 
ions  yet  to  come ; 
ihed   hearthstone, 
es  and  little  ones, 
e  oppression  of  a 
^  and  thrfUing 
'd,  the  father,  the 
3word,— his  head 
deience  of  his 
a  rights  of  him- 
ppressed  negro  ? 
v^hose  Congress- 
l  perpetuate  his 
few  Christ-like 
bearts  to  defend 
5  Witn  gialeful 


emotion,  he  sees  the  bludgeon  of  the  South-already 
reeking  in  the  blood  of  freemen-raised  and  ready  to 
faU  with  murderous  intent  upon  the  head  of  any  one, 
who,  like  the  illustrious  Sumner,  dare  open  his  mouth 
in  defence  of  Freedom,  or  speak  of  the  wrongs  of  the 
poor  negro,  and  the  sins  of  the  Southern  autocrat  1 

What  inducement  then,  has  the  slave  to  shoulder 
his  musket,  when  the  American  drum  beats  the  call, 
"  To  Arms  I  To  Arms  I  "    Does  he  not  remember  that 
the  wife  of  his  bosom;  the  children,— "bone  of  his 
bone,  and  flesh  of  his  flesh,"-and  the  rude  hearth- 
stone  they  for  a  time  are  allowed  to  surround,  belong 
not  to  himself,  but  to  the  tyrannical  master,  who 
claims  dominion  over  all  he  possesses.    As  his  pro- 
perty then,  let  the  slave  owner  go  forth  in  defence  of 
his  own,  and  lay  down  his  life  if  he  please;  but  the 
poor  slave  has  no  home,  no  famUy  to  protect;   no 
country  to  defend;  nor  does  he  care  to  assist  in  sus- 
taining a  government  that  instead  of  offering  him 
protection,  drives  him  from  the  soil  which  has  been 
cultivated  by  his  own  labor,— to  beg  at  the  hand  of 
England's  Queen,  "  life,  liberty,  and  the  pursuit  of 
happiness." 

Humiliating  as  it  is  for  an  '.merican  citizen  to 
name  these  things,  they  are  nevertheless  true;  and  I 
would  to  God  that  America  would  arise  in  her  native 
majesty,  and  divest  herself  of  the  foul  stain,  which 
Slavery  has  cast  upon  her  otherwise  pure  drapeiyl 


324 


C'ONCIA'SION. 


Then  wo.,ld  she  be  no  longer  a  Uasing  and  by-word 
among  t  e  nations;  but  indeed  what  she  professes  to 
be,  the  land  of  the  free,  and  the  home  of  the  braye  • " 
an  asylum  for  tlie  oppressed  of  every  elime 

But  shonhl  tl>e  monarclnal  government  of  England 
call  for    he  serviees  of  the  eolored  man,  freely  would 
h.  hearty  blood  be  poured  out  in  her  defenee,-not 
because  he  has  a  partieular  preference  for  that  form 
of  government;  not  because  he  has  ceased  to  love  his 
native  oountry,_b„t  because  she  has  aelcnowledged  his 
manhood,  and  given  him  a  home  to  defend.    Beneath 
th     floatn,g  banner  of  the  British  Lion,  he  finds 
mducements  to  lay  down   his  life,   if  ne.d  be,  in 
defence  of  h,s  own  broad  acres,  his  familyand  foe- 
s.de,-all  of  which  were  denied  him  under  the  Stars 
and  Stnpes  of  h.s  fatherland.     But  a  short  time  ago, 
the  eolored   men  of  Cincinnati,  0.,  were  prompt]; 
d  med  the  prrvilege  they  had  solicited,  to  join  with 

Other    citizens,    m    celohnti'Tin-    +i,^ 

^,.  '  ^eicuratmg    the    anniversary    of 

y... arc's  Birth  Dayl     Oh,  no;  there  mu^  be 
no  colored  man  in  the  company,  met  to  honor  him 

who  s.     bves  in  the  heart  of  every  American  citi. 
^en,-   the  father  of  his  eount:y,"_and  yet,  who 
scorned  not  to  sleep  beside  his  faithful  negro!    Nov 
d.d  the  nephew  of  the  illustrious  General,  despise  the 
command  of  the  black  regiment,  which  Gen.  Jackson 
so  proudly  commended  for  their  bravery,  and  be- 
stowed  upon  it  his  pei^onal  thanks,  for  t,l,„i.  =„...•„, 
on  the  Held  of  battle.  '  "'""^^^ 


tnamiifei 


MHi 


CONCLUSION. 


325 


hissing  and  by-word 
vliat  slie  professes  to 
lioino  of  the  brave;" 
^ery  clime, 
ernment  of  England 
d  man,  freely  would 
in  her  defence,— not 
Tence  for  that  form 
IS  ceased  to  love  his 
as  acknowledged  his 
;o  defend.     Beneath  . 
ish   Lion,  he  finds 
fe,   if  need   be,  in 
lis  family  and  fire- 
m  under  the  Stars 
t  a  short  time  ago, 
).,  were  promptly 
cited,  to  join  with 
3    anniversary    of 
10 ;  there  must  be 
not  to  honor  him 
:ry  American  citi- 
"— and  yet,  who 
bful  negro!     Nor 
neral,  despise  the 
lich  Gen.  Jackson 
aravery,  and  be- 

for  t.lipir  aaytri^^^ 


Do  tlic  Northern  or  Free  States  of  the  Union  think 
to  clear  tliuir  skirts  of  the  abomination  of  Slavery,  by 
saying  that  they  own  no  slaves  ?    Very  true.    But  is 
the  poor,  flying  fugitive  from  the  house  of  bondage, 
safe  one  moment  within  your  borders?    Will  he  be 
welcomed  to  your  homes,  your  tables,  your  firesides  ? 
Will  your  clergymen  bid  you  clothe  and  feed  h'  n,  or 
give  him  a  cup  of  cold  water,  in  the  name  of  a  disciple 
of  that  holy  Christ,  who  has  said,— "  inasmuch  as  ye 
have  done  it  unto  one  of  the  least  of  these  little  ones, 
ye  have  done  it  unto  me?"  — Or  will  your  own 
miserable  Fugitive  Slave  Law,  close  the  mouth  of  your 
clergy;  crush  down  the  rising  benevolence  of  your 
heart;  and  convert  you  into  a  human  blood-hound,  to 
hunt  down  the  panting  fugitive,  and  return  him  to  the 
hell  of  Slavery?     Oh,  my  God  I— the  fact  is  too  hor- 
rible  to  acknowledge,  and  yet  it  is  a  stubborn  one. 
N(jt  on  one  foot  of  land  under  the  broad  folds  of 
Columbia's  banner,  can  the  slave  say,  ''  I  am  free  1  " 
Hungry,  naked,  and  forlorn,  he  must  flee  onward; 
nor  stop-short  of  the  outstretched  arms  of  an  English 
Queen;    Yet,  thanks  be  to  our  Heavenly  Father,  that 
all  have  not  bowed  the  knee  to  the  Southern  autocrat 
or  slave  power.     A  few  noble  souls,  thank  God, 
remain,  who,  in   defiance  of  iniquitous  laws,  throw 
open  wide  their  doors  to  the  trembling,  fleeing  bon* 
man,  whose  purses  are  freely  emptied  to  supply  his 
wants,  and  help  him  on  in  his  flight  to  the  British 


826 


IH     i 


CONCLUSION. 


^s»m 


noise  Jest  an  UntoJwt     .  T''^    ""''''  "^ 
the  object  of  yo^cS  ""  ""^'  '""^  '"'' 

on  you  «  heavy  fln    5,!'"  7"""*^'  '"^  ™P°- 
^  eavy  nno,  lor  your  daring  to  do  to  anntho,. 

«3  you  would  he  should  do  to  you  ^        "  *°  '"""^"^ 

disgrace  to  the  Iaw8  of  any  country  ?    Certainlv  t 
"'  yet  7  thank  God,  that  it  docs  afford  a  mS 

Heaven  may  ever  rest   upon  those  who  wilLriv 

IglireX,        "'^"'•^"''--''^'>■'^'>™"- 
^  my  reader  abo.u  to  throw  the  blame  of  our 
nation's  wrong  on  Fnriand  «„^  T 

*„i      ••       n,  ■"-"g'nna,  and  acc:use  her  of  flrit 

tolerating  Slavery?  Wo  admit  it;  but  did  she  no 
repent  of  the  evil  she  had  done,  and  spitLTk 
every  yoke,  and  let  the  oppressed  go  free  ?  21^^^. 
no  slave  uow  breathes  in  England's  atmosphiS' 
^y  you  her  white  poor  ave  slaves  to  the  aristlr^J 
from  which  sentiment  I  beg  leave  to  differ,  olr^ 
they  may  be,  and  doubtless  an,  ,.  .1.  "PP^essed 

be  in  anv  J^  „  """tiess  are,  as  the  poor  are  apt  to 
Be  in  any  and  every  country;  but  they  are  not  ,ol^ 
.n  the  market,  ,„  the  highest  bidder,  likbel  J 
burden,  as  are  the  American  slav™     ^'IJ^     "^ 


CONCLUSION. 


827 


liowever  poor,  destitute,  or  degraded  he  may  be,  but 
owns  Idmself,  his  wife  and  children;  nor  does  ho  fear 
that  they  be  sold  and  torn  from  his  embrace,  while  he 
i3  laboring  for  their  support.  Poverty,  my  friend, 
does  not  comprise  the  bitterness  of  Slavery,  no  more 
than  "one  swallow  makes  a  summer,"— nor  does  it 
consist  solely  in  ignorance  and  degradation.  Its 
bitterness  arises  from  a  consciousness  of  wrong;  a 
sense  of  the  violation  of  every  right  God  has  given  to 
man,  and  the  uncertainty  of  his  future,  over  which  he 
has  no  control. 

If  the  Amrri(^an  people  flatter  themselves  viih  the 
idea  of  ting  rid  of  the  hated  negro  race,  by  colo- 
nizing them  on  the  sickly  soil  of  Liberia,  or  any  other 
country,  they  will  surely  find  themselves  mistaken. 
They  are  Americans ;  allied  to  this  country  by  birth 
and  by  misfortune;  and  here  will  they  remain,— not 
always  as  now,  oppressed  and  degraded,— for  all  who 
have  any  interest  in  the  matter  veil  know  that  the 
free  colored  pecple,  are  rapidly  advancing  in  intelli- 
gence,  and  improving  their  condidon  in  every  respect. 
Men  of  learning  and  genius,  are  bow  found  among 
those  with  fleecy  locks,  and  good  mechanics  with 
dusky  complexion. 

This  mai-ked  improvement  in  the  conditior  and 
rapid  advancement  in  intelligence  among  our  people, 
seems  to  have  alarmed  the  colon  izationists,  and  made 
them  fearmi  that  those  very  down-trodden  slaves,  who 


I  ?? 


S28 


CONCLUSION-. 


become  their  eaTJ^T'fT  "'  """''  P^''*-™-, 
g-nce  on  their  oZeZr^  T'^'  ""'  *'"^''  -- 
»d  lest  the;,  shouTZ!  T  '""'"''  *'"''  «'^">; 
them  to  so/e  f  Joff  ^Z^'''  "''"'"  S'-'^'/  -move 

Y'et  here,  in  TSTorfii    a 
-n=ai„,a„d  erel  *fr™'."'"  "'» -lorcd  race 

people,  eqial  with  the  proud  A?IT'  "~'"''  ^  ^-' 
The  African  haa  once  be"?  ^"f      ."T"  "' ""  """g»- 
Christian  E„gh,h„,„  Lvlde/hl         ""'""•  '*- 
»d  incited  her  chiefs  Tt       k    '""^''  "'*  ™'". 
gaudy.-bnt  worthless  trintets  her       ''"'^'"^'"S  '^i'h 
-d  we  haveever, reason  TrnZTT^'r'' 
glory  as  a  nation  has  departed  «X         ""'"«'''  ^'' 
be  acknowledged  freel      ,     ',         '""'  '""^  ^-l"  Jet 
this  country.  "^  ''^  "'°  "'"t^  Population  of 

There  have  been  black  mneral,  ;„  ♦! 
Napoleon  was  bom    and  tT  ''°'''''  '«"'°'-e 

*°-1ay,  notwithstandinT;  1  """  *"  "^"'"^  »'' 
eolor,  that  everywher  'ex'  s  ti^  r"":?"  *™' 
there  are  „en  of  talent  am  „     ,    ^f  f'^  "•*". 

the  earth;  nor  ore  their  number'f  1°      .  """'  ™ 
increasing.  ^  t'^'^'  though  rapidlj 

Well  may  the  South  arouse  heraelf  f 
replenish  its  treasury  with  a  ta.  ^       ^  t  "  "^'*'' 
colored  people,  to  defra^l L  ^tp  „Tf  ""  "'«  ^- 
umitted  slaves  to  Liberill  "'"*"»  """>■ 


£«ilM<ik!MP«H)>M» 


COXCLUSION. 


329 


Listen  a  moment  to  the  cant  of  the  colonizationists. 
Hear  him  talk  of  the  duty  he  owes  to  Africa,  and  how 
happy,  how  intelligent,  how  prosperous  everything  is 
in  Liberia.  But  when  that  delightful  country  asks  to 
be  taken  into  fellowship  with  the  United  States,  and 
to  have  her  independence  recognized— ah,  then  he 
lifts  his  hands  in  horror  and  begs  to  be  excused  from 
so  close  a  relation. 

This  is  all  cant,  in  my  humble  opinion;  and  when 
I  see  men  so  anxious  to  send  the  negro  out  of  their 
sight,  I  feel  quite  certain  that  they  are  conscious  of 
having  deeply  wronged  him,  and  think  to  remove 
him,  to  atone  for  their  guilty  consciences.    Would 
they  refuse  to  acknowledge    the    independence   of 
Liberia,  if  their  interest  in  the  colored  people  was 
genuine,  especially  when  several  other  nations  had 
done  so?    Oh,  no.    But  that  is  not  'Hhe  rub."    How 
could  one  of  our  lordly  nabobs  of  the  South,  sit  in 
Congress  with  perhaps  one  of  his  own  manumitted 
slaves  as  a  representative  from  Liberia  or  Hayti !    He 
would  die  of  mortification.    Very  well  then ;  but  let 
him  talk  no  more  of  sending  colored  men  to  that 
country  to  make  them  free  men. 

The  colored  people  generally,  I  am  happy  to  say, 
have  a  right  conception  of  the  colonization  plan,  and 
will  never  be  induced  to  go  to  Africa,  unless  they  go 
as  missionaries  to  the  heathen  tribes,  who  certainly 

should   havfi  f.liP!  oTkarvol    »^«^«^^,_J    x-    ^i  y, 

—  Q.^vx  i^icavuea  Mj  inem.     ijome, 


880 


CONCLUSION. 


from  a  sense  of  duty,  may  go  as  teachers,-which  is 
all  well  enough,~but  certain  it  is,  that  no  amount  of 
prejudice  or  abuse,  will  ever  induce  the  colored  race 
to  leave  this  country.  Long  have  they  been  oppress- 
ed; but  they  are  rising-coming  up  to  an  elevated 
standard,  and  are  fast  gathering  strength  and  courage 
tor  the  groat  and  coming  conflict  with  theii  haughty 
oppressors.  ^ 

tW  there  must  be  ere  long,  a  sharp  contest  be- 
tween  the  friends  of  Freedom  and  the  Southern 
oligarchy,  I  can  no  longer  doubt. 

When  our  worthy  ministers  of  the  gospel,  are  sent 
back  to  us  from  the  South,  clothed  with  a  coat  of  tar 
and  feathers;   when  our  best  and  most  sacrificing 
philanthropists  are  thrown  into  Southern  dungeons 
when  our  laboring  men  are  shot  down  by  haughty 
and  Idle  Southern  aristocrate,  in  the  hotels  of  their 
employers,   and  under  the  very  eye  of  Congress; 
when  the  press  is  muzzled,  and  every  editor,  who  has 
the   manliness   to   speak  in    defence    of   Freedom 
and  the  wickedness  of  the  slaveholder,  is  caned  or 
otherwise   insulted   by  some  insignificant  Southern 
bully;  and  when  at  te,  our  Mr.  Sumner  is  attacked 
from  behind,  by  a  Southern,  cowardly  scoundrel,  and 
felled  senseless  on  the  floor  of  the  Senate  chamber  for 
his  defence  of  Liberty,-then,  indeed,  may  Northern 
men  look  about  them  I    Well  may  they  be  aroused 
by  the  insolence  and  tyranny  of  the  South  I 


CONCLUSION, 


881 


And  for  what  is  all  this  ?    Do  not  our  Southern 
men  know,  that  if  light  and  truth  are  permitted  to 
reach  the  minds  of  the  people,  that  Kansas  will  be 
lost  to  them  as  slave  territory,  wherein  the  Southern 
slave-breeder  can  dispose  of  his  own  flesh  to  the 
highest  bidder  I    Hear  them  talk  as  they  do,  in  their 
pioi    mo-aents,  with  upturned  faces,  in  solemn  mock- 
'       of  returning  the  negro  to  his  native  Africa !    How 
ii.anj  pure  Africans,  think  you,  can  be  found  in  the 
whole  slave  population  of  the  South,  to  say  nothing 
of  their  nativity?     Native  Africa,   indeed  I    Who 
does  not  know,  that  in  three-fourths  of  the  colored 
race,  there  runs  the  blood  of  the  white  master,— the 
breeder  of  his  own  chattels!     Think  you,  that  a 
righteous  God  will  fail  to  judge  a  nation  for  such 
flagrant  siu3?    Nay,  verily.    If  the  All-wise  God, 
who  has  created  of  one  blood  all  nations  of  the 
earth,  has  designed  their  blood  to  commingle  until 
that  of  the  African  is  absorbed  in  that  of  the  Euro- 
pean,— then  is  it  right,  and  amalgamation  of  all  the 
different  races  should  be   universally  practiced  and 
approved.    If  it  be  right  for  the  Southern  slaveholder, 
to  cruelly  enforce  the  mixture  of  the  race^,  to  gratify 
his  lust,  and  swell  the  enormity  of  his  gains,  certainly 
it  cannot  be  wrong  to  amalgamate  from  choice  and 
affection.     Let  us  ask  then,  why  did  our  Omnipotent 
Creator  make  the  marked  dLstinction  ?    Certainly  not 
lu.    ,11..  ^,.i„^.,^.co   tiia;,  uuu   race  might  enslave  and 


332 


CONCLPSION. 


triumph  over  another;  but  evidentlv  tUt     \  ■    ^■ 
own  proper  sphere  m  ght  gS^d  t      f  '°  ^'' 
-Pective  bodies  and  tpint^J^!;"'  m.   ".  T 
was  the  black  man  created,  if  norto  MfiT^^'  ",         ' 
-  a  «^.o,  to  the  glory  of  God  ?  '"'^''^ 

oe^^toS:;":!?^:-;--— 

™mtion.    Stand  boldl/^  "  """^'^  """^ 

characteristics,  and  show  Z  v  ''""  °™  """""'^ 
industry,  yo«;  W  nd  p'jrt^r^^'''-  -<» 
colored  men,  but  of  no  inferi  r^.' j t'  "  f  > 
lack  I  see  among  you   is  ,,J     7'  ^'*'"^'' 

able,  to  be  sure  f„  T"  ^        ''°*'™'  P^""" 

in  the  strLle  lltl?   !         ^'"°  ^^^  "Shfa  or  die 
owuggie,  let  me  entreat  vou  to  har^ri  ^         i 

together  in  one  indissoluble  Tnd  of  bittT  T 
to  stand  shoulder  to  shoulder  in  th.  !    ^'""'''''°°''' 


>N. 

fentlj,  that  ea<5h  in  his 
fy  God,  to  whom  their 
.elong.  Why,  indeed, 
ot  to  fulfil  his  destiny 

'",  my  countrymen,  to 
an  for  example  and 
'■  your  own  national 
'ur  perseverance  and 
Y,  that  you  are  men, 
uality.    The  greatest 
7  of  action,  pardon- 
those  who  have  seen 

ntages;  but  now  that 
in  your  rights  or  die 
I  to  band  yourselves 
nd  of  brotherhood, 
the  coming  conflict, 
3r  Freedom  and  the 
t  the  land.    Speak 
ived  of  your  unfor- 
f  the  frowns  and 
cho  may  dare  lift 
design  of  the  Al- 
ixed  and  powerful 

3nd  en  any  human 

?  exertion,  in  the    Bi 


CONCLUSION. 


333 


elevation  of  our  race;  still,  I  would  not  have  you 
unmindful  of,  nor  ungrateful  for,  the  noble  exertions 
of  those  kind  white  friends,  who  have  plead  the 
c^use  of  the  bondman,  and  have  done  all  in  their 
power  to  aid  you,  for  which,  may  the  God  of  the 
oppressed  abundantly  bless  them. 

Let  your  attention  be  given  to  the  careful  training 
and  education  of  the  rising  generation,  that  they  may 
be  useful,  and  justly  command  the  respect  of  their 
fellow-men.  Labor  for  a  competency,  but  give  not 
your  whole  attention  to  amassing  the  wealth  that 
perishes;  but  seek  to  lay  up  for  yourselves  "  treasures 
where  moth  doth  not  corrupt,  no-  thieves  break 
through  and  steal." 

•Suppose  not,  my  brethren,  that  your  task  is  a  light 
one,  or  one  that  can  be  performed  without  years  of 
patient  toil  and  unyielding  perseverance.  Our  op- 
pressors are  not  very  ready  to  credit  our  exertion,- 
too  often  forgetting  the  effects  of  our  long  degradation, 
and  vainly  expecting  to  see  us  arise  at  once,  to  the 
highest  standard  of  elevation,  able  to  cope  successfully 
with  those  who  have  known  no  such  discourage- 
ments  or  disadvantages,  as  ha^  been  our  lot  to  bear. 

These  and  many  other  obstacles  must  be  bravely 
met,  and  assiduously  removed,--remembering  that 
Slavery  has  robbed  some  of  us,  and  prejudice  many 
others,  of  that  perseverance  so  necessary  to  the  accom- 

plishment  of  ajQ-cj^nteTTjriKp.  Krf  tr^  ma--  .^      ..        „ 
■ -^ — -^-i^-i«?,  Dui  in  urn  eievf  i/iou  of 


BH 


CONCLUSION. 


ourselves  and  race,  let  us  never  falter  and  grow 
weary,  until  we  have  reached  the  elevated  station 
God  designed  us  to  occupy,  and  have  fitted  the  rising 
generation  to  fill  and  improve  it  after  our  earthly 
course  is  finished  and  we  leave  to  then>  tUe  stage  of 
action. 

Allow  me,  however,  to  entieat,  that  no  success 
which  may  attend  your  deteimmed  efforts;  no  position 
which  you  may  attain,- -may  ever  so  occupy  your 
mind,  as  to  cause  you  to  forget  for  one  moment,  the 
afflictions  of  your  ccantrymen,  or  to  cease  to  remem- 
ber the  groaning  millions  in  bonds,  until  every  slave 
shall  triumphantly  chant  the  song  of  deliverance 
firom  Slavery's  dark  prison  house. 

Bear  with  me,  my  dear  brethren,  while  I  claim  a 
friend's  licenfe,  to  say,  that  I  would  not  that  you 
place  implicit  confidence  in  any  of  the  political  organ- 
izations of  ^.he  present  time;  but  remember  that  the 
majority  o^'  those  parties  are  diligently  laboring  for 
their  owr.  interest.  Look  you  then  to  yours;  are 
you  lea'i  capable  of  securing  your  rights  than 
they  ?  Never  was  there  a  time  when  indolence  and 
supineaess  among  us,  would  be  so  unpardonable  as 
now,  nor  when  so  much  depended  on  our  active  and 
judicious  exertions. 

Let  us  not  forget,  that  in  the  past,  we  could  and 
did  truthfully  complain,  that  we  had  no  helper,— 
bound  and  crushed  beneath  an  overwhelming  weight 


CONCLUSION. 


335 


of  prejudice  and  ignorance,  we  lay  helpless  at  the 
feet  of  our  political  spoilers.    A  favorable  change  has 
since  been  effected  in  the  public  sentiment;  and  now 
that  we  see  thousands  who  are  willing  to  aid  us,  and 
as  many  more  who  will  not  hinder  our  labor,— shall 
we  fold  our  hands  in  idleness  ?— or  shall  we  renew 
our  energies,  in  the  cause  of  freedom  and  of  our  own 
advancement  ?    Although  we  may  not  implicitly  rely 
upon  the  political  exertion  of  others,  let  us  not  fear  to 
co-operate  with  the  friends  of  liberty  everywhere,  as 
far  as  a  good  conscience  will  permit,  and  our  limited 
privileges  will  allow,  by  our  determined  zeal  for  the 
right,  make  our  influence  felt  in  the  nation.    See  what 
wrong  and  oppression  our  white  brethren  have  met  in 
Kansas,  from  the  slave  power;   and  let  their  noble 
deeds  of  patriotism;  their  liberal  sacrifices  for  freedom, 
be  not  only  our  example,  but  an  incentive  to  do  our 
duty.      Have  they  more  at  stake  in    that  mighty 
struggle  than  we,  that  they  should  leave  their  homes 
of  refinement  and  comfort,  take  their  lives  in  their 
hands  and  bravely  contend  for  their  rights,  surrounded 
by  scenes  of  blood  and  carnage  ?    Certainly  not.    No 
people  on  the  earth  can  have  greater  incentives  to 
arouse  them  to  action,  than  the  colored  people  of  this 
country  now  have;   I  trust  therefore,  that  our  future 
independence  and  prosperity,  will  suffer  nothing  f'-om 
the  inactivity  of  our  race. 

Some  may  entertain   the  belief   that  the  African 


II 


U 


*   f  i^W 


836 


CONCLUSION. 


slave  trade  is  entirely  abandoned.    I  think  not.    Often 
are  seen  strange,   suspicious   looking  vessels,   lying 
along  the  African  coast,  for  no  other  purpose  than  that 
of  kidnapping  the  poor,  ignorant  natives.     Stealthily 
the  slave-trader  lands  his  wicked  crew,  in  the  vicinity 
of  some  negro  village  or  cluster  of  huts,  and  when  a 
favorable  opportunity  occurs,  he  and  his  men  rush 
upon  tlie  frightened  African,  bum  their  huts,  and  amid 
the  shrieks  of  the  captives,  and  the  groans  of  the  help, 
less  and  aged,  who  have  been  trampled  down  in  their 
rude  haste  to  secure    the    young    and    able-bodied 
natives,   bear  them  to  the  vessel,   where  they  are 
stowed  away  in  the  hold  of  the  ship,  which  bears 
them  to  Christian  (?)  America,  where  they  are  sold  as 
slaves. 

Some  years  ago,  a  woman  engaged  in  washing 
clothes,  near  the  sea  coast,  had  a  lad  with  her  to  take 
care  of  her  two  younger  children-one  a  young  babe- 
whUe  she  was  at  work.    They  wandered  away  a  short 
distance,  and  while  amusing  themselves  under  some 
bushes,  four  men,  to  them  strange  looking  creatures, 
with  white  faces,  surrounded  them;  and  wh^n  the  lad 
attempted  to  run  away,  they  threw  the  infant  he' held 
m  his  arms,  on  the  ground,  and  seizing  the  other  two 
children,  bore  them  screaming  with  fear,  to  the  ship. 
Frantic  and   inconsolable,   they  were  borne  to  the 
American  slave  market,  where  they  were  sold  to  a 
Virgima  planter,  for  whnm  t.be"  1«^— -^  ~ 


iwt^-vicvi  svnivw 


j^-n 


iiuiy 


CONCLUSION. 


837 


lriT>/\i«rt/3      M  ^.^^ H-lt 


and  in  tears,  until  old  age  deprived  them  of  farther 
exertion,  when  they  were  turned  out,  like  an  old  horse, 
to  die;  and  did  die  destitute  and  uncared  for,  in  their 
aged  infirmity,  after  a  long  life  of  unrequited  toil. 
That  lad,  stolen  from  Africa's  coast,  was  my  grand- 
father. 

It  is  not,  however,  necessary  for  us  to  look  beyond 
our  own  country,  to  find  all  the  horrors  of  the  slave 
traffic  I    A  tour  through  the   Southern   States  will 
prove   sufficient  to    satisfy   any   one   of  that  fact; 
nor  will  they  travel  over  one  of  them,  iDefore— if 
they  have  a  heart  of  flesh— they  will  feel  oppressed 
by  the  cruel  outrage,  daily  inflicted  on  their  fellow- 
beings.      The  tourist  nee'd  not  turn  aside  to  seek 
evidences:  he  will  very  readily  observe  the  red  flag 
of  the  auctioneer  floating  over  the  slave  pen,  on  which 
he  may  read  in  large  letters,  waving  in  the  pure  air  of 
heaven,  "Slaves,  Horses,  and  other  Cattle,  m  his 
to  suit  purchasers /''    He  may  halt  a  moment,  and  look 
at  the  multitude,  collecting  under  the  folds  of  that 
infamous  banner,  where  will  be  found  a  few  gentle- 
manly appearing    slave   holding    planters,   superbly 
mounted,  and  perhaps  with  their  servants  in  waiting; 
but  the  larger  number  he  will  find  to  be  drunken,' 
coarse,  brutal  looking  men,  swaggering  about  in  the 
capacity  of  slave-traders. 

Let  him  enter  the  low,  dingy,  filthy  building,  occu- 
pied  by  human  merchandize,  and  he  will  there  behold 


i.t, 


888 


cx)NCLUsioir. 


husbands  and  wives,  parents  and  children,  about  to  be 
sold,  aiid  perhaps  separated  forever  I    See  the  trader, 
as  he  examines  with  inhuman  indifference  the  bones 
and  sinews,  the  teeth  and  joints  of  the  articles  on 
hand,  even  of  females,  and  hear  him  make  inquiries 
concerning  her  capabilities,  that  would  make  a  savage 
blush  I     And  see  the  miserable  woman  lift  her  red 
and  swollen  eyes  to  the  face  of  the  heartless  trader, 
and  the  next  moment  cast  a  dispairing  glance  over  the* 
motley  crowd,  in  search  of  a  compassionate  look— a 
p:tying  eye.    Should  she  see  one  countenance  wearing 
a  kind,  humane  expression,  it  will  most  likely  bring 
her  frantically  to  his  feet,  where,  kneeling,  with  up- 
lified  hands,  she  pleads:  "Oh,  Massa,  do  buy  me  I    Do 
buy  me  and  little  Sam  I     He  be  all  of  the  chil'ens  1 
got  left  I     O,  Lord  I     O,  Lord  1    Do,  Massa,  buy  me, 
and  this  one  baby  I      Oh,   do  Massa  I"      But   the 
weight  of   the  cow-hide  drives  her  to  the  auction 
block,  where  in  mock  solemnity  she  is  represented  as 
"an  article  of  excellent  breed,  a  good  cook,  a  good 
seamstress,  and  withal  a  good  Christian,  a  ra'ul  gene- 
wine  lamb  of  the  flock  I  "—and  then  she  is  struck  off 
to  the  highest  bidder,  who  declares  that  he  "won't 
have  the  young'un  any  how,  'cause  he's  gwine  to 
drive  her  down  to  Lousianny." 

He  may  see,  too,  the  wild,  dispairing  look  of  some 
frightened  young  slave  giri,  passing  under  the  lustful 
gaze  of  some  lordly  libertine,  who  declares  himself 
"  in  search  of  a  fancy  article  for  his  own  use  I " 


CONCLUSION. 


389 


One  after  another  is  taken  from  the  block,  until  all 
are  disposed  of,  amid  the  agonized  wail  of  heart- 
broken wives  and  mothers,  husbands  and  fathers,  and 
the  piercing  screams  of  helpless  children,  torn  from  a 
parent's  embrace,  to  be  consigned  to  the  care  of 
strangers. 

^'or  need  I  inform  our  traveler  of  the  inhuman 
method  generally  approved,  in  hunting  with  trained 
blood-hounds,  kept  and  advertised  for  the  purpose  of 
recapturing   any  poor   slave  who  may  attempt    to 
escape  from  this  cruel  bondage.    He  may  perchance, 
come  across  the  mangled  and  lifeless  body  of  some 
fugitive,  which  has  just  been  run  down  and  torn  in 
pieces  by  the  dogs  of  the  hunter  I    Should  he  stop  a 
few  moments,  he  will  soon  see  a  hole  dug  in  the 
ground,  and  the  remains  of  tie  slave  pitched  into  it, 
covered  sufficiently  to  hide  the  unsightly  mass  from 
view,  and  there  will  be  an  end  of  the  whole  matter  I 
"Shall  I  not  visit  for  these  things?  saith  the  Lord; 
and  shall  not  my  soul  be  avenged  on  such  a  nation  as 
this?" 

In  giving  to  the  public  thi.^  unvarnished,  but  truth- 
M  narrative,  of  some  of  the  occurrences  of  my 
humble  and  uneventful  life,  I  have  not  been  influ- 
enced by  a  vain  desire  for  notoriety,  but  by  a  wil- 
lingness to  gratify  a  just  and  honorable  request, 
repeatedly  made  by  numerous  and  respected  friends, 
to  learn  the  truth  concerning  my  connection  with  the 


!  i 


I  i 


340 


CONCLUSION. 


Wilberforce  colony;  tho  events  wliich  there  transpired 
during  my  stay,  and  tho  cause  of  my  losing  a  hard- 
earned  property.    liogarding  the  affairs  of  the  colony, 
I  have,  therefore,  endeavored  to  be  particular,--be. 
lievmg  that  duty  to  mysdf  and  })rethren,  required  me 
to  give  them  tho  within  information;   but  nothing 
have  I  set  down  in  malice.    Much  more  might  have 
been  said  ralativo  to  «ome  of  the  leading  characters  in 
that  settlement,  had  I  not  been  fearful  of  its  assmning 
the  character  of  a  personal  enmity  or  retaliation.    He 
who  knows  and  will  judge  the  actions  of  men,  will 
bear  me  witness,  that   I    have  cherished  no  such 
feelings  toward  any  of  those  who  then  lived,  but  now 
sleep  in  death. 

In  justification,  however,  cf  my  statements  regard- 
mg  the  character  of  Mr.  Lewis,  I  .vill  call  the  attention 
of  the  reader  to  some  of  the  many  letters  received 
from  good  and  eminent  men,  to  show  that  I  was  not 
alone  in  the  low  estimate  of  his  virtues.  Gladly  I 
leave  that  unpleasant  subject,  hoping  that  nothing  in 
our  past  history  will  serve  to  becloud  the  bright 
future  beginning  to  dawn  on  the  prospects  of  our 
disfranchised  and  oppressed  countrymen. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


LisiTMt  FuoM  A.  Stbwaud  TO  Wk.  L.  Gaubisoic. 

Ma.  CJaiibisox, 

Dear  Sir:— In  a  recent  examination  of  the  businoM 
trans^tionB  between  the  Board  of  Managei^  of  the  Wilberforce 
Co  o„^,  and  their  agent  Rev.  N.  Paul.  I  find  a  charge  made  by  hira. 
and  allowed  hy  the  board,  of  the  sum  of  :  o  hundred  dolla,^.  which 
ho  paid  to  yourself.  Finding  no  ixjceipt  or  acknowledgment  from 
you.  I  MT.to  to  ask  j.n  to  favor  me  with  one.  or  an  explanation  of  the 
facts  m  Uu,  case,  eiU^er  of  which  will  greatly  oblige  mo.  as  I  design 
tomakextpubhc.  Truly  Yours,  <fec.. 

Canandoigua.  N.  Y..  May,  1856.  ^  STEWARD. 


Mb.  Garwson's  RtvtY  to  A.  Stewabd. 
Deab  Sib  : 

land    h       .'!-' ':  ""'^""^  ""'  "^^""^  -  ^-  -^-  f^m  En" 
land,  charged  the  Board  of  Managers  with  the  sum  of  two  .„..,!, 

ao^...pH,i  '.yusn  to  me  while  i„  England;  that  said  s^m  wai 


|i'. 


Ill 


342 


COIIRESPONDENOE. 


"^eu  oy  mends  in  this  country;  nor  coulrl  T  ™;fi. 
pnety  receive,  nor  he  give  me  any  navt  of  fV  P''' 

Amencn  CoIgm«^o„  Soci«tj-."_he  charged  torn,   <lh».  i.  , 
"-Jon,  .™a^  i^™  of  expense  wM*1.  „„:  'blX  wL:i 
J.»U7.,,c„r«d  b,Us  helping  „e  „„,„„  „,„  „^„„,^J^'2i 
Unthr,p,sfa  to  the  real  design  of  that  ««iotv  ■  and  r    .,    , 

^y  bcWt    I  owe  mneh  to  the  sucees.  that  .„  .ig,,.,,^  .JJ/^; 
m.s..„n  to  h„  p^sence.  tesU„e„y.  .„,  .,„,,„„.  1„„^„,„,.„;„^  ^^ 

can    at  thwk  that  the  above  eiptanation  wn.  lie  „„o«„n  of  hi. 
Boston,  Mass.,  June,  1856.  ^^'  ^'  QAURISON. 


COBRESPONDENOE. 


FaoM  Mb.  Bakir  to  A.  Stkwaed. 


343 


Me.  a.  Stetvabd, 

Dear  Sir:— Israel  Lewis,  the  former  agent  of  yoxir 
Settlement,  last  spring  represented  to  me  the  suffering  condition 
of  your  poor,  and  requested  that  I  should  forward  some  goods,  for 
which  I  should  be  paid;  I  did  so,  and  sent  goods  to  the  amount  of 
oue  hundred  thirty-six  doUai-s  and  nincty-eight  ceuta.  The  goods 
were  sold  at  cost. 

I  am  also  endorsed  on  a  note  for  two  hundred  thirteen  dollars 
and  ten  cente,  which  falls  due  24th  of  this  month,  and  which  I  shaU 
hare  to  pay.  This  note  was  given  by  Lewis  for  the  purpose  of  rais- 
ing  money  to  fit  out  Mr.  Pa..l,on  his  mission  to  England.  I  w,is 
prowised  that  the  money  should  be  here  to  meet  it. 

I  have  heard  noihing  from  Lewis  or  this  business  since,  and  as  I 
understand  you  arc  the  ageiit.  I  must  look  to  you  to  make  provision 
to  meet  the  note,  and  pay  for  the  goods.  Good  faith  requires  that  aU 
conti-acts  by  your  agency  be  fulfilled. 

Youre,  Respectfully, 

Now  York  City,  Dec,  1633.  ^^^^^^  ^^^^^ 


FuoM  Mr.  L.  a.  Spaldikq  to  a.  oteward. 
Dbar  FaiENn: 

In  August  last,  Israel  Lewis,  accompanied  by  Rev 
Nathaniel  Paul  called  upon  mo  and  exhibited  a  power  of  attorney, 
signed  by  you  as  president  of  the  ti-ustees  of  the  colony,  authorizing 
Lewis  to  take  loans,  Ac,  for  the  benefit  of  the  colony. 

Feeling  a  deep  interest  in  the  progress  of  the  colony.  I  agreed  to 
become  security  with  E.  Peck,  at  the  Bank  of  Rochester,  for  the 
payment  of  seven  hundred  dollai-s,  which  soon  was  ™ised  by  Lewis 

_e  not.,  for  the  ucucnt  oi  ine  coJony.    J  was  in  hopes  to  havt 


844 


CORBESPONDEN-CE. 


1 


"J»iy  Jtnowa  to  us  as  youraelf. 
I^okport,  If.  y„  1831.  "^^  ^  SPAIDIM. 


MB.Ai,sTOSi,»A.t.,Wi)borr<,rce.l-  0 

.uoh  ».,te.  11'^'  '  ~^'"^  <»"-l»n<leac„  f«„  5,<,„,  „„  ^, 
"M  n-uMn  yoar  op,mo,,,be  liougW  cnduci,.  to  llo 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


846 


*  Pa.,  to  a.  Stkwaed. 


irosperity  of  the  settlement,  the    'levation  and  future  happiness  of 
he  free  people  of  color. 

In  pai-ticular,  we  would  wish  you  to  give  as  accurate  an  account  as 
lossibk,  of  the  number  of  settlera ;  the  number  of  acres  as  pur- 
!haspd;  at  what  price;  what  number  are  impioved  and  under 
iulture ;  what  number  of  houses  or  tenements  are  in  the  Settlement, 
EC,  <fec. 

What  are  your  present  prospects  in  regard  to  crops;  your  political 

vantages  or  disadvantages. 

We  would  also  respectfully  ask  you  to  inform  us,  what  number  of 

iettlers  might  emigrate  there  each  year,  without  injuring  the  Settle- 

lent.     AJso,  what  kind  of  machines  you  most  need ;  also,  what  axe 

16  teims  for  which  labcreis  nee  contracted  for  and  how  paid. 

The  boa;-d  have  been  thus  particular,  because  they  rely  with  fuli 

lonfidence  on   your  pairiotism  and  capability,  which  have  beeu 

nanimously  assigned  to  you. 

You  will  perceive  our  object  is,  'o  contribute,  as  far  as  lays  in  our 

wer,  pecuniary  aid,  and  assist  in  seci'ring  you  such  agricultural 

md  meetumiijal  emigrants  aa,  in  your  opinion,  the  Settlement  may 

eed;  and  In  all  our  recommendations  to  you,  we  shall  endeavor  to 

lave  an  eye  +o  character,  knowing  full  well  that  by  that  alone  you 

lUst  Stand  or  fdU. 

We  have  been  infoi-med  here  by  a  letter  (pui-porting  to  be  written 
>y  a  Mr.  Stover),  that  the  Canada  Company  actually  refusas  to  sell 
land  to  colored  persons;  and  that  they  are  anxioas  to  buy  out  the 
lolored  settlera  at  Wilberforce. 

Be  plea£-ed  to  inform  me  if  that  be  a  fact,  with  its  paiticulare ;  and 
if  there  be  any  disadvantages  in  ^.._. chasing  land  by  colored  emi- 
:rantB. 

The  boaid  would  be  happy  to  know  if  you  have  had  any  news 
from  your  agent  in  England.    If  any,  what  are  his  prospects  ? 
You  will  please  be  particular  and  candid  in  stating  your  wants 
|(as  well  as  disadvantages)  to  ua,  aa  we  will  do  our  utmoHt  trv  a-tiaf" 
P* 


846 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


tliem,  as  ^ell  as  promote  the  happiness  of  the  settle.^,  and  the  p«.s. 
penty  of  the  Settlement.  ^ 

Be  pWd  to  answer  .s  soon  as  possible,  for  we  as  brothers  in 
common,  feel  deeply  interested. 

With  sentiments  of  sincere  fnendship, 

I  remain,  youra, 

A  tn,e  copy  from  the  record.  '''''''''  ^^  '^'^^^^^I" 


K^SOLUXIOXS  PASSKO  BV  XHB  BoAU.  0.  Ma.AGKBS  OK  XHK  Wx^BKE- 

FOECB  Colony, 

iSS^'r  "n!i"^''  *"'  ''''''■^  ''  Managers, held  September  300,, 
i83l,  t»  call  the  Agents  to  an  account: 

Itesoked,  That  we  disapprove  „f  the  conduct  of  la^el  Lewis,!,,  hi, 
be,„g  absent  so  long,  and  also  his  not  com,nunic„ing  with  the  Board 

IT";       ""'  ''"°"'"'  *"'»  '""-  «""  •«  «-,Whe  i. 

prosecuting  his  agency. 

Resolved,  That  the  chairman  of  this  board  be  insti.cted  .>  writ« 
to  said  Lewis,  to  return  home,  and  lay  before  this  board  his"  doings. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Board,  held  April  1st.  1832.  all  the  membei. 
and  Israel  Lewis  present  with  them,  he  made  the  following  Report 
and  resigned  his  office  as  agent,  which  was  accepted  • 

!---'«  «aid  that  seven  hundred  doUai^  was  all  that  he  had  col- 

Fork,  thirty.five  dollar  for  clothes,  and  two  hundred  dollai,  to  N 
Paul,  as  an  out-fit  for  England, 


imt^iimimmsi^iiiivt-fuimfinmmfS^^ 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


347 


CIRCULAR. 


»AGEB8  OF  THE  "WlLBBE- 


1,  held  September  30th, 


e  accepted,  and  nnaai- 


1  the  members  present. 


TaiBoAKD  OF  Manaoeus  fou  thk  Colony, 

To  the  Christians  and  jPhilanthropist$  in  the  United  Slates  : 

We,  the  undersigned  inhabitants  and  Board  of  Mauagere  for  the 
Colony  of  Wilberforce,  beg  leave  to  state  that  the  frost  cut  oflF  the 
orops  in  this  part  of  the  counby  last  year,  and  some  of  the  colonists 
are  in  great  need  of  assistance.  And  we  flatter  ourselves  that  when 
the  peculiar  circumstances  of  this  infant  Settlement  arc  duly  con- 
sidered, this  appeal, to  a  generous  and  discriminating  public, -Rill  not 
be  made  in  vain. 

The  board  are  sensible  from  the  cause  above  stated,  that  the  inhab- 
itants of  Wilberforce  will  be  compelled  to  ask  aid  from  the  friends  of 
humanity  in  the  States,  or  they  must  suffer. 

Under  these  circumstances  they  commissioned  the  Rev.  James 
Shai-p,  as  their  agent,  and  sent  him  to  the  States;  but  owing  to  the 
opposition  of  Israel  Lewis, — who  had  been  formerly  employed  as 
agent,  but  was  removed  from  the  agency — am  laboi-s  were  almost 
wholly  lost  to  the  board. 

We  would  simply  say,  that  Lewis  was  acting  for  a  cerlc'n  company 
here ;  but  we  have  made  inquiries,  and  find  but  me  mnr  m  Wilber- 
force that  belongs  to  said  company,  and  he  is  an  old  man,  in  his 
dotage.  That  man  is  Simon  Wyatt.  We  might  say  ',ncrc,  but  ve 
think  there  has  been  enough  written  to  satisfy  the  public. 

In  consequence  of  the  un:auhfulnes8  of  Israel  Lewis,  and  the 
numerous  agents  that  may  be  looking  around  '  i  ^ountiy  after  him, 
the  board  have  come  to  the  conchision  to  dispense  with  a  traveling 
agent  for  the  pi-esent. 

And  we  would  humbly  request  Lyman  A,  Spalding,  Esq.,  of  Lock- 
port;  E.  Peck,  Esq.,  of  Rochester;  Rev.  Dr.  Budd,  of  Auburn;  Charles 
Davis,  Esq.,  of  Ludlowville,  Tompkins  County,  N.  Y.;  Aruthnr  Tajv 
pan,  Esq.,  city  of  New  York;  to  act  as  receivers  for  the  Colony.  The 
above  named  gentlemen,  will  see  that  the  funds  which  they  may 
receive,  be  faithfully  applied  according  to  the  wishes  of  the  donoi-s. 


348 


cojaiESPO-jDExoii. 


To  CMsf,M.  w.  appeal.  bj.,uc  br„tb„to,.i  „f  ohrW  and  bv 
to.  own  bope.  Of  being  ...,;.,,  b.  U.,  ,»  „„„,  .„  ^ll'^ 

»  is  to  be  boped  Ibat  o.ery  dergyMan  in  lie  Stale,,  will  W  fti, 
c.».,lar  before  «.»ir  «apeetive  c.„e.g..io„,.  «„d  givoe.orvll 

an^oppo«„„i,, ,  .,„„  ^  ^„,  „^^  ^^  .,/....„..;  :;7 

AusTiif  Stkwahd,  Pr«'< 
Joseph  Taylob,  Scc't/. 
Philip  Habuis, 
John  "Whitehead, 
Petee  Butleb, 
Samuez,  Pkteesox, 
William  Bbown. 


FbOH  RzV.  J.  BCDD  TO  A.   Ste^^ABD  and  0THEB8. 

Messbs.  Paul  and  Stewabd: 

•  ,       ,  .      ,  ^  ^*^®  ^^er  taken  a  great  demee  of 

.nteresfc  in  the  welfare  of  your  cole  .   and  have  in  varJway, 
brought  it  before  the  public.  ^  ' 

It  has  pained  nje  deeply  ^^  ,ea,       .at  there  are  divisions  a.ong 
.".Ihe  whole  deportment       .  ner  of  Lewi,,  who  has  b..n 

not  wish  to  take  ground  as  his  a  Jvocfe,  f.  the  extinction  of  oLrs  I 

am  not  inclined  to  think  him  disi  from  ih.  i    *• 

before  me.  fiom  the  testimony  now 


i« 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


849 


at  Rochester  and  n  duplj. 


ashed    here 


D  AND  Others. 


But,  apai-t  from  him,  my  present  impression  is  that  the  most 
eflfectual  way  for  you  to  promote  the  cause  of  the  Colony,  is  not,  at 
this  stage  of  the  business,  to  appear  before  the  public  in  a  hostile 
attitude  to  Lewis. 

I  know  some  excellent  and  prominent  gentlemen  in  this  quai-ter, 
who  think  he  is  unkindly  treated;  at  any  rate,  while  the  investiga- 
tion, lately  commenced  at  Albany,  is  going  on,  it  appeal^  to  me  not 
wise  in  you  to  put  forth  any  further  publication  reflecting  upon 
Lewis.  He  may  have  acted  imprudently ;  but  he  has  excited  him- 
self very  much,  and  should  the  idea  prevail  that  you  and  he  are  in  a 
state  of  collision,  it  would  be  very  bad  for  you. 

I  consider  your  Colony  as  a  very  important  matter,  and  will  do  all 
in  my  power  to  promote  your  welfare,  but  it  is  very  material  not  to 
prejudice  the  public  against  you. 

Before  I  move  in  the  matter,  I  wish  to  know  the  real  state  of  the 
matter  between  Lewis  and  the  Colony.  Ap  soon  as  I  can  know  that 
he  has  defrauded  you  and  deceived  the  public,  I  will  not  hesitate  to 
give  my  views  on  the  subject,  and  put  forth  any  efforts  in  my  power 
for  your  advancement 

There  should  no  sectarian  or  party  feeling  be  allowed  to  creep  into 
your  institution. 

I  thank  you  for  naming  me  as  a  receiver  for  your  Colony,  and 
should  anything  come  to  me,  I  shall  hand  it  over  to  James  S.  Sey- 
Tiour,  Esq.,  Cashier  of  the  Bank  of  Auburn,  who  should  have  been 
named  instead  of  me.  I  hope  you  will  put  his  name  in  my  place,  or 
at  any  rate,  name  him  with  me,  for  he  has  been  from  the  first,  much 
interested  in  your  behalf. 

If  you  will  allow  me,  I  will  briefly  say,  that  ray  opinion  is,  your 
be^t  way  to  relieve  your  immediate  wants,  would  be  to  issue  a  brief 
circular,  stating  the  failuie  of  your  crops,  your  newness  of  settle- 
ment, &(,.,  Ac;  and  call  upon  the  public  for  help,  without  naming 
Lewis  or  alluding  to  your  difficulty  with  him;  let  your  papers  be 
p.=opnrly  authorized,  aud  say  that  the  agent  you  employ  is  not 


>r-" 


350 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


i  i 


-J 


engaged  in  getting  funds  to  pay  for  land,  found  schools,  Ac,  but  to 
get  immediate  provisions  for  the  Colony. 

If  you  M'ill  send  an  agent  here  and  prepare  your  circular  in  this 
way-let  it  be  short-and  1  will  print  it  and  give  copies  of  it  to  him 
for  circulation,  free  of  charge. 

With  many  prayera  for  the  prosperity  of  your  Colony, 

I  am  youi'  Friend, 
Aubn™,N.Y.,  May,  1833.  JOHN  BUDD. 


Reply  to  J.  Bnon  bt  A.  Stbwaed. 

To  The  Rev.  J.  Bcnn, 

Sir :— We  feel  under  renewed  obligation  to  you, 
for  yon  friendly  advice;  but  we  have  already  sent  out  several  copies 
of  our  circular  to  different  places,  and  proLnbly  some  of  them  have 
beed  printed  before  this  time. 

We  have  no  object  in  view,  but  troth,  justice,-the  greatest  good  of 
the  Settlement,  and  of  our  brethren  in  general    Israel  Lewis  has, 
however.  coUected  large  suras  of  money,  for  oar  relief,  of  which  we 
have  not  had  the  benefit.    Neaily  two  years  ago.  he  was  appointed 
agent  for  the  Colony,  to  collect  funds  to  build  a  meeting-house,  to 
endow  schools,  «fec.    In  less  than  one  year  he  received  more  than  two 
thousand  dollars,  which  he  squandered;  and  we  have  neither  wcrf- 
ing-houte  nor  tchools,  nor  never  vnll  have,  so  long  as  the  money  goes 
into  the  hands  of  Lewis.    All  that  we  would  have  forgiven  him 
gladly,  if  he  would  consent  to  be  aUl  and  not  nmrp  the  agency 
against  the  wishes  of  the  people. 

Sir,  is  it  not  expected  that  he  would  appear  well;  as  you  say,  thaf, 
"the  whole  deportment  and  manner  of  Lewis,  who  has  been  in  this 
place,  evidently  have  impressed  the  people  in  his  favor."-while  col- 
lecting  money  with  the  eye  of  the  pubUc  upon  him.  But  follow  him 
_ome  nto  another  kiagdois,  ajid  there  see  iLe  man  in  his  tnie 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


351 


id  schools,  Ac,  but  to 


character;  stripped  of  his  borrowed  plumage,-and  wc  ^iU  guar- 
antee  that  you  would  agree  with  us.  in  believing  that  he  ia  an  arch 
hypocrite. 

We  should  be  sorry  to  prejudice  the  public  against  our  Settlement, 
move  especially  when  we  are  actuated  by  the  purest  raotives.-that 
of  preventing  the  Christian  public  from  beiug  imposed  upon,  by 
drawing  largo  sums  from  them  for  us,  as  they  suppose,  when  in  tndh 
such  sums  Jiever  reach  us  at  all 

Sir,  we  know  that  you  are  actuated  by  the  purest  motives,  but  you 
are  deceived  in  the  character  of  the  man,  (Lewis).  When  I  was 
living  m  the  States  and  only  saw  him  there,  collecting  moner  for  the 
poor.  I  thought  him  honest  as  you  now  do;  but  two  or  three  years- 
residence  in  Wilberforce  Colony,  has  abundanUy  satisfied  me  th'>t 
his  object  IS  to  get  money,  that  he  may  live  in  a  princely  style,  ai^' 
not  for  the  benefit  of  tlie  poor  as  he  pretends. 

Such  are  the  true  facts  in  the  case.  We  should  be  glad  to  have 
tJie  name  of  James  S.  Seymour,  Esq.,  added  to  the  list,  and  any 
other  prominent  citizen  you  may  think  would  help  the  cause. 

In  regard  to  the  investigation  at  Albany,  we  do  not  see  how  the 

public  are  to  arrive  at  the  facts  in  the  case  from  any  statement  Lewis 

may  make;  for  aU  his  statements  that  I  have  seen  in  print,  are  posi- 

tively  void  of  truth,  in  the  most  essential  part,  so  that  th.     -  J  =  f 

btae  or  no  impoi-tance  at  all  unless  substantiated  by  other  testimony. 

The  circular  contains  no  testimony  Uiat  has  not  been  heretofore 

Old  before  the  public.    Mr.  Benjamin  Paul  recently  wrote  a  letter  to 

Oie  editors  of  "The  Baptist  Register."  in  which  he  stated  that  Lewis 

had  fed  and  clothed  the  colonists  like  a  father,  which  is  not  true;  and 

^^c  v-nsible  was  Paul  of  the  fact,  that  when  the  letter  reached  here. 

<  :,ther  with  the  surprize  it  created  wherever  Lewis  was  known. 

.hat  Paul  cheerfully  contradicted  it.  confessed  that  he  was  mistaken. 

and  thus  made  it  known  to  the  public. 

We  cei-tainly  have  no  secUonal  feelings  in  the  matter,  though 
.e.is  has  labored  hard  to  impress  the  public  with  a  contrary  belief 
-.d  no  na,  even  brought  false  charges  of  the  basest  kind  against  our 


L'i-  ' 


bd'A 


COBRESPONDENCB. 


1  ours,  with  due  respect, 

In  behalf  of  the  Colonists, 
Wilberforce,  June,  1833.  ^-  STEWARD. 


PH03C  A.   STKW.Un   TO   G.   BaxkS  AWi>   OTHKEa. 

M.88E8.  Banks,  WaBEa.  Bhockenbero  <fe  Hauhis- 

ponding  sect^J^r rr  C  ^ZT^^^IT  ^^^^  ^^"^  --" 

-e  i.t  eo...;ni.uo„  rje^r ..  ^r;  z^^^^ 

in  December,  1833,  at  which  ti.np  hn  •  '  ""^ 

Mission,  as  will  .o.    ul ^     b^r  '^'T'^  '™"^"""^  ^^• 

^V<-hIc'    ^rfnll.         "^"PP""   ^^f^«a»»exed  copy  of  said  letter, 

u..ufu]lj.  .,,d  you.    His  return  is  expected  daily. 

* 

Mt  Dear  Brothee  Steward: 

expected  .„  ,ea,.  '^::.!1^^'^  '°"' '  '"'»"»«"  ^»"  ''•'  I 
need  Tot  write.  ""»"■ '^  '  "-"-te' com..,,  u..^  ^„„ 

mends  of  tte  can«e.  adrised  m,  l„  forego  „    „J^ 

rr :::  r'  ••  r  *™  *'^ '°""'  ^-  ^'■"  ~"  ^. 

cause,  and  render  me  what  assistance  they  could 
All  their  united  strength  was  needed  now,  while  that  question  ... 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


85S 


1  of  the  public  from 


it  OUenfinn 


pending.  But  tJianks  be  to  God,  that  is  now  settled.  On  the  first 
day  of  August  next,  will  be  the  proudest  day  that  ever  Britain  knew; 
for  from  that  time  henceforth,  there  will  not  remain  a  single  skyo 
throughout  His  Majesty's  dominions. 

The  friends  of  the  cause  are  now  turning  their  attention  to  Slavery 
in  the  Uiuted  State  nd  are  about  to  form  a  society  for  the  aboliUon 
of  Slavery  throughout  the  world.  They  aU  think  highly  of  our 
Settlement,  and  will  give  it  their  cordial  support 

The  leading  abolitionists  have  given  me  letters  of  recoiamendation 
throughout  the  Kingdom,  and  have  appointed  one  of  tlieir  most  effec- 
tive men  to  travel  with  me,— his  name  is  John  Scoble,  a  very  ready, 
intelligent,  earnest,  and  an  eloquent  speaker.  I  think  1  can  do  more 
now  in  one  month,  than  I  could  in  throe  before  the  question  was 
Bottled  in  regard  to  their  own  slaves. 

You  will  at  once  see  that  althougli  the  people  concluded  my  object 
to  bo  an  important  one,  yet,  they  generaUy  thought  that  they  ought 
to  lend  all  their  aid  in  removing  the  stain  from  their  own  land  firet 
This  stain  is  now  effectually  effaced,  and  my  meetings  are  exceed- 
ingly crowded.  I  addressed  an  audience  at  Norwich  of  fix)m  three 
to  four  thousand  pemons,  week  before  last,  when  about  five  hundred 
dollars  WM  collectt-i.  So  you  see  I  am  getting  .n.  i  ,  t,  the  Lord 
willing,  next  week  for  Scothind,  and  shall  t  ■  .vl  .ne  winter 
Uiero  and  in  the  North  of  England.  In  the  spring  .  ahaU  return  and 
taJu!  passage  for  Canada.  I  doubt  not,  that  you  are  anxiously  looking 
for  my  return;  yet,  you  cannot  want  to  see  me  more  than  I  want  to 
return;  but  I  toU  you  now  as  I  have  told  you  before,  that  I  shaU  not 
return  until  I  )iavo  done  all  that  car  be  done  by  my  labor. 

Yours, 

N.  PAUL. 
SiBs: 

The  above  copy  will  give  you  all  the  recent  information  we 
have  received  concerninu-  i^p  n.aQm^  «f  —  <■„.-: . 


Hi  ■  i 


864 


COllKESPONDENClJ: 


.o»zs.a^:rr«r::i:r:r''°""^^^^ 


Wilherforce,  U.  0. 


Youra  truly, 

AUSTIN  STEWARD. 


F*OM  A.  Stiwabd  to  Ma.  Nvtu 
T>KAn  SraC: 

prcpect..  '^  """"  "  ^l''"^-  y""'  Icaia  and  bir 

Since  my  removil  to  WilborforM  I  I,.™ 
M™.  Steward  h«  „,j„.j  J  ""!•  '  ■■""  -.'«»«<'  •  «>■»».  which 

Mr.  Paul  ha.  „„t  TZl"  "■•'«»"T«ohe.p.he™,ia. 

H....ndw.„.,„-x;xr^::r^'^-^"'"<'° 

quence  of  havi  '  Tc"  J  „     rr"""'''  '"'  "^  '"'™' '"  «™»«- 

.::tr.-ir;:i:t:r:r\Trr 

U.e  Colony  now.  ^""''  ""'  '""'  "  """^  -"'"e  ^ 

May  the  blesBings  of  God  toHt  «««„ 

»-  •"""•*»<»  7<"»8MmiM;  nay  they  who  foresee 


'*-''-*ft*»';'^»"«5T*;'' 


^£: 


my  acknow.  edgmente  of 
niain, 

•3  truly, 

AUSTIN  STEWARD. 


NctL. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


355 


that  you  will  cheat  the  poor  colored  children,  be  sadly  mistaken,  and 
your  good  deeds  finally  enrol  your  name  on  the  proud  list  of  philan- 
thropists, headed  by  a  Wilberforce  and  a  Clarkson. 

Yours,  in  great  haste, 

AUSTIN  STEWARD. 
Wilberforce,  Dec,  1835. 


)ur  favor  of  October  last, 
id,  your  health  and  fair 

>,>ened  a  school,  which 
''<  ar;  while  I  shall  pro- 
e  States,  for  the  benefit 
ant  of  tome  assistance; 
'  to  help  them  with, 
daily  expecting  Um. 
e  in  Lis  pledge  to  do 
rnent. 

well,  and  we  are  still 
my  means,  in  conse- 
st  season,  are  limited; 
ty  of  remitting  funda 
rortable  in  all  things, 

opeful  expectancy  for 
'hich  I  do  hope  they 
STew  York.  We  have 
is  doing  nothing  for 

J^our  endeavors;  your 
aay  they  who  foresee 


From  L.  A.  Spaldino  to  A.  Steward  and  Otiiees. 

Dear  Feiends:  • 

I  have  received  a  letter  from  Israel  Lewis,  New  York, 
requesting  me  to  forward  fifty  dollare  to  the  treasurer  of  the  Wilber- 
force Colony,  which  I  will  do  at  the  first  convenience.  I  sent  fifty 
dollara  some  time  since,  which  I  presume  was  received 

I  have  also  received  a  letter  from  B.  Lundy,  who  speaks  very 
flatteringly  of  the  Settlement;  but  gives  me  some  information  relating 
to  Lewis,  which  will  injure  you,  unless  you  act  wisely. 

Now  I  suggest  for  your  consideration,  whether  it  would  not  be  best 
to  keep  perfectly  quiet  relative  to  him,  until  after  he  returns  and 
settles  with  the  directore.  If  he  cannot  then  satisfy  you,  he  will 
no  doubt  suiTender  up  his  documents  and  agency  like  a  man,  and 
leave  you  to  appoint  another. 

By  all  means  you  must  agree  among  yourselves,  not  suffering  any 
difference  of  opiuiru  to  >.'ecome  public.  Your  enemies  will  seize 
upon  this,  and  injure  your  prospects;  besides,  you  gain  nothing  by  it. 
Your  friends  too,  could  then  say  that  you  acted  imprudently.  I  hope 
to  have  a  good  account  of  the  settlement  of  your  difficulties  if  any 
should  exist 

Respectfiilly  your  Friend, 

LYMAN  A.  SPALDING. 
Austin  Steward  A  Bemj.  Paul. 


Trfict-nnrf.  V    V    0/i  "Mn 


S66 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


raoK  Rkv.  S.  E.  Couh.«„  to  A.  SxKw.an. 


Dkab  Stewaed: 

You.-8,wkh%h  esteem, 

SAMUEL  E.  CORNISH. 
P-  S.--I  am  glad  (hat  Uis.  Steward  ia  J«  d    t. 
is  by  no  means  suited  to  her  tale„r  '      ^\^'^''''''  y«"'  Colony 

could  be  happy  tW    ^ovotaut/cr':'"'-    '^^^  "^^^ 
tlung  for  them  in  my  power  ""*"'  ^  ^"^  ^°  ^'-T 

S.  E.  .,!. 


■EsumreD  FariNDs: 

■Agoin  I  lake  tbi,  matlmJ  •» 
sora.  private  information  to  my  pc«„n.l  T    ,         «'°'°"'"1'=»«"S 
ce«Iins,  in  Mexico.    M,  C ZZ\t°"''' T"'""' ^■ 

especially  to  »„ch  aa  take  an  in.ereet  i^r  '"'°""  ""'"' 

iave  engaged,  and  Hose  who  C  kMv  1°, !'?'''"  '"  ""*  ' 
defray  the  expense,  of  „y  joora,;  If'  "''  ^  """  ™"  ^ 

~d„p..„ed«i.rr;-:~:^.--^^^^^^ 


«»**'«*-»*"*W«»l^»««t*» 


SCE. 

0  A.  BrKWATLD, 

our  letter,  and  God  trilling, 
ortwclredays.  Please  to 
'•  I  will  see  that  tbe>  oe 
ewi«.  I  believe  him  to  bo 
"'ill  yet  come  to  light.  Do 
I'ey  are  until  I  come, 
^iffh  esteem, 

MUEL  E.  CORNISH. 

n  Rochester;  your  Colony 
Bfincd  mind.  She  neveV 
'olonistn;  I  will  do  every 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


857 


tod  of  communicating 
iJs,  relative  to  my  pro- 
countiy,  (like  the  one 
the  time  which  I  had 
aiii  the  causes  thereof 
eiiteipnze  in  which  I 
tod  mo  with  means  u, 

or,  which  wag  issued 
«o  Intention  of  taking 
after  waiting  in  that 
lit/  to  obtain  one,  1 
'ogli  Texas  again  ly 


land.  My  health  continued  very  good  for  some  length  of  time-  but 
when  I  reached  the  middle  part  of  the  Texas  country,  it  wa^  my 
misfortune  to  come  again  in  contact  with  the  direful  "cholera,"  and 
again  I  was  the  subject  of  its  virulent  attacks.  My  detention  was 
great,  and  affliction  severe;  though  I  finally  expelled  the  disoiv,  r  as 
I  had  done  before.  My  suflFerings  were  somewhat  aggi-avated  in 
several  instances,  by  the  fearful  prejudices  of  the  people  among 
whom  I  traveled.  I  was  veiy  anxious  to  get  through  my  journey, 
end  often  assayed  to  travel  before  I  was  in  fact  well  enough.  The 
consequence  was,  that  I  frequently  took  relapses,  and  sometimes  had 
to  he  out  under  trees,  even  in  time  of  rain,  within  sight  of  houses, 
the  people  being  unwilling  to  give  me  shelter  therein,  feai-ing  that  my 
disorder  was  contagious. 

At  length  I  reached  the  Mexican  town  of  San  Antonio  de  Bexar, 
and  there  I  tamed,  until  I  had  got  pretty  well  rid  of  the  cholera.    I 
then  pui^ued  my  journey  to  Monclova,  the  seat  of  government  for  the 
State  of  Coahuila  and  Texas,  in  company  with  several  Mexican 
gentlemen  and  foreigners.     Previous  to  this  time,  I  had  traveled 
seveial  hundred  miles  entirely  alone,  and  generally  encamped  in  the 
woods  or  plains  at  night    On  my  airival  at  Monclova.  I  was  doomed 
0  encounter  "misfortune"  of  a  veiy  different  character.    Here  I 
found  Uiat  the  Englishman,  (mentioned  in  my  other  letter),  with 
whom  I  had  conti^cted  to  petition  for  two  grants  of  land,  kad  totally 
fnUd  ^n  h^,  applicaiion.    The  petition  had  been   laid  before  the 
Governor,  and  he  was  about  issuing  the  gi^nt.,  when  he  received  a 
^r..  f,x>m  the  Legislature-which  was  then  in  session-forbidding 
b.m  to  grant  any  more  land,  under  any  p,.text.    This  measure  was 
taken  to  prevent  the  great  land  speculatoi-s  from  canning  on  their 
swindling  opemtions  in  Texas.    An  act  was  soon  after  passed  by  that 
ody  repealing  all  their  Colonisation  la.s;  u.d  thus  every  hope  that 
I  Lad  so  fondly  entertained,  and  eacl.  fair  prospect,  seemingly  so 
near  its  realization,  .a.  in^anUy  ,lastc,  an,  nUcrly  destroyed!    If  ever 
the  fortitude  of  m.n  was  tried,  mine  was  then.    If  eve.  stoic  philo.. 
pby  might  be  successfully  caUed  to  the  aid  of  human  courag..  T 


858 


CORRE3POHBEN0E. 


'  f 


y™.  of  toll,  pri„u„„  ,„j ;,;,",  °r; """  ""'""•"■  jf^^ir  ^.o 
'•d  >«„  g,„„,  ,t^^,  „7;;' : 'r:  t  *'""■'•  "^  ™*nogs 

'f"-"..  f^.  .«i..™.™cj:r  c  °: "°  '°"^°-^«''=p'- 
•w<f  in.„j.„j„  Mvre!^,r  "^  •"""f*'  ^''« 

and  co„i„,„.„e  ^  Jj  C        ""'"°'"'''""°"^''»'»"«»" 

St«t«,  c.„„rt  „'      Z!'  f  r    "^  ™'' "  "'■'■^  '"  *« 

"7  •«-  ^  <.„„.  ifU;t:;;rc  '"*  '°-'*'°^  '"■- 

"■e.»f  „„  libc«,l,  I  ^  """""*  «""  tte  col„„i„tio„  law, 
.w.  «„ie,l,fc  ,„,  ,j,  cult™  orH,"™'"  """  '°"'°  '^'*'  '"  "  '™ 
™w  h.„  obtained  i„  cl    ,  ^'^  '"'°°'  ""°  '"•''  "»«  I 

Pa..aod  M  boo„i„f„™„nf;rst    '°7''««'->  '"  ^™™''- 

"6ion,a„d»„o|,„,|,,„„  ."^..7''8''  »"  "'^fcUy  moootaiooM 
tamao  habitation.  1  kad  „„  „  '"'""'"  ""^  ""om  „,„,  „. 

<»nv;„ec„.„„,„,„™; /;  "=  fo^t,  Which  I  had  evidence  ,„ 
week,  ,  r.a,M  tl?I  ';  :T"°"''  "'  "'"  *'  *'»"'•  I"  '" 
.*»  deatltnt.  „,  f.Jl^Z^r':':  ^  ""^°'  ^-»"«-- 
"•Mo  beloa^ln,  ,.  „,  ...rb;  r''^^^"™' .-^  di„»»hie 

bo"'!!  .11  perfect  .t«„ge„  ,„  „.  j  j, ,      ,  J'"  '^'"^  ''  """  P'-« 

--o.eoto,„,L.„:;;a::r:f:;::r:i;,t: 


NiCB. 

tliat  occasion.    Nearly  two 
eentrasted.    My  sufferings 

on  tlie  bouyancy  of  hope, 
ant  enterprise,  ^hose  ideal 
le  exclusion  of  manj  haid- 
5^  sight,  and  left  before  me 

encouragement  than  total 
'medilesa  despair!    What 

restored,  but  my  detention 
Teat  that  my  funds  were 
for  an  important  pui-pose; 
my  way  is  closed  in  this 
I  ^ill  not  boast  of  the 
'i  gttaU.    Something  fm-. 

art  ofthe  adjoining  State 
at  the  colonization  laws 
tat  tiome  paits  of  it  arc 
cane,  than  arj  tract  I 
fas.  And  u^on  a  little 
sstigations  in  Tamauli- 
Ls  soon  as  my  horse  was 

■  between  four  and  five 
1  awfully  mountainous 
less.    I  encamped  out 
;  very  seldom  n-^ar  any 
thing  to  defend  myself 
ich  I  had  evidence  to 
«t  far  distant.    In  two 
e  State  of  Tamaulipas, 
most  every  disposable 

people  of  this  place 

■  while  unfold  to  them 
I  opened  a  shop,  and 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


359 


commeaced  working  at  my  old  trade-the  saddling  business.  I  soon 
got  as  much  work  as  I  could  do-supported  myself,  replenished  my 
pocket,  made  some  acquaintance  with  a  number  of  people,  and 
obtained  more  information  respecting  the  Colonization  laws  of  the 
State.  A  few  weeks  elapsed,  while  I  was  employed  in  this  way.  I 
then  mounted  my  horse  again,  and  proceeded  to  the  capital  of  the 
State;  and  after  negotiating  for  some  time  with  the  Governor  and 
Council  of  the  State,  I  succeeded  in  obtaining  a  grant  of  land,  upon 
advantageous  terms.  I  then  performed  another  journey  of  almost 
two  hundred  and  fifty  miles,  "alone,"  to  Matamoras  again;  and  soon 
theieafter  embarked  for  the  United  States. 

My  friends  will  thus  perceive  that  I  have  ..ot  been  idle;  though 
much  time  has  been  occupied  in  my  last  expedition.  I  shall  not 
attempt  to  excite  their  sympathy  by  exhibiting  the  twentieth  part  of 
what  I  have  suffered.  I  do  not  even  like  to  look  back  upon  some  of 
the  scenes  through  which  I  have  passed.  But  thanks  to  a  kind  and 
all-sustaiuing  Providence,  complete  success  has  at  last  crowned  my 
exertions.  I  strove  hard  to  command  it;  and  I  leave  it  to  others  to 
say  whether  I  have  deserved  it  or  not 

The  terms  upon  which  I  have  obtained  my  grant  of  land 
will  be  noticed  in  a  public  address,  which  I  shall  forward  with  this 
letter. 

Since  my  arrival  in  thi^  place,  I  have  been  confined  by  sickness; 
but  am  no«r  convalescent,  and  shall  visit  my  friends  to  the  eastward 
as  soon  as  circumstances  will  permit.  I  cannot  close  this  communi- 
cafon.  without  an  expression  of  my  sincere  thanks  to  those  kind 
fnends  who  rendered  me  assistance  in  defmying  the  expenses  of  my 
last  Mexican  tour.  Their  favon.  will  be  moat  gratefully  remem- 
bered  and  I  shall  feel  myself  under  additional  obligations  to  labor 
Zv!      melioration  of  the  condition  of  lie   poor  and  suftering 

In  the  next  number  of  the  "Genius  of  Universal  Emancipation," 
T  shall  insert  the  names  of  those  who  conta-ibutod  U>  aid  mo  in  tho 


360 


COKBESPONDENCE. 


as 


Pi-osecution  of  my  exxte      • 

a;i  proceeding  ^^-i„,  ^ I X^;-^  ^«^on„ation  .laUve  to 
«^e  business  connected  with  it  proU^e,"        "'"''' ''  "^^*  ""^' 
^.*B.P^u,,,  ^^"''"ostrespectfuU^, 

Ausnw  Steward, 
■Rar.  J.  Sharp. 
Nashville,  5th  JVfo.,  1835. 


■  your  Friend, 

B.  LUNDY. 


THE  END. 


■ovf-^t-mmm^MsitimDmmt' 


''^^J^f@9VI^.,t^:';.^«itf  'tu»vWM«H.:^.^._ 


CE. 

'*  'nformation  relative  to 
the  pages  of  that  work,  as 

'■«%,  your  Friend, 

B.  LUNBY. 


.y' ■^' Mr^^tiU:--im.  '<.' 


^,ii!:y}, 


